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'Sinkhole' appears in Collett Close in Bodsham near Ashford

08:51, 23 January 2020

updated: 08:51, 23 January 2020

A huge 'sinkhole' has opened up in a village - and has been increasing in size for almost a month.

The large hole, which one resident estimated at 12 to 15ft deep, has been growing since appearing on Christmas Eve alongside Collett Close in Bodsham near Ashford.

The cesspit collapse has resulted in a 12 to 15ft-deep hole in Collett Close
The cesspit collapse has resulted in a 12 to 15ft-deep hole in Collett Close

While originally thought to be a sinkhole, it has since transpired to be a collapsed cesspit of one of the adjoining houses.

One nearby homeowner told our sister title the Kentish Express this week how she is concerned about the hole.

"It's been a month and they're still umming and ahhing as to who's going to pay or sort it out," she said.

"It's taken the hedge and the path - it's horrendous.

"Three houses are connected, and this cesspit damage is blocking access to the further two houses.

Part of the path has fallen into the hole
Part of the path has fallen into the hole

"I don't know how they're accessing their homes to be honest."

The resident noted this is the first mass subsidence she has seen since moving to the village.

A Kent County Council spokesman said the authority had received no reports of the sinkhole and the landowner would be responsible.

In September, a massive sinkhole opened up in a Gravesend car park, causing a lorry driver to abandon his vehicle as it sunk into the earth.

Last month, The Cross Keys Pub in Oaten Hill, Canterbury, had to be sealed off when a 12ft wide crevice appeared in the floor.

The 'sinkhole' opened up in Bodsham on Christmas Eve
The 'sinkhole' opened up in Bodsham on Christmas Eve

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