Unrepaired Sinkhole Disrupts Local Businesses for Two Months

The proprietor of a High Street establishment has asserted that his business has declined because a sinkhole is prompting patrons to seek other shopping destinations. Matt Betts, who owns MB Shoe Repairs located on Church Street in Storrington, reported that his business’s revenue has decreased by nearly 50% since the sinkhole emerged two months prior. Originating as a small, tennis ball-sized cavity in October, the sinkhole now occupies half of the thoroughfare. West Sussex County Council (WSCC) stated that an unidentified private drainage pipe has “complicated the situation”. The county council has carried out excavation work on the sinkhole, but the repairs remain incomplete. Mr. Betts commented: “The biggest issue is that no one is coming up this street anymore. They drive up the high street and see the road closed sign and decide to go somewhere else.” He added: “My trade has dramatically dropped. It’s normally a high turnover of cars parking here but at the moment you’ll be lucky to see one customer an hour.” Mr. Betts indicated that patrons previously utilized the 20 minutes of complimentary parking available in front of his establishment. Employees at Number 13 Thai restaurant also informed the BBC that their business volume had decreased relative to the previous December. Local councillor Claudia Fisher stated: “It’s a thriving area. People like to come here. Now it’s not easily accessible for people, which has really impacted some businesses’ turnover.” A spokesperson for WSCC commented: “This pipe does not currently connect to an existing sewer, which has complicated the situation.” The spokesperson continued: “To determine the cause, the sinkhole had to be excavated, which has further increased its size. “We understand how disruptive this has been for residents and local businesses, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, and we are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.” The spokesperson confirmed that the road remains inaccessible for safety considerations, although businesses can be reached from both extremities of the street. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.