Roads sinking because of rain

Roads in Kidderminster are sinking because of weeks of rainfall which has proved too much for underground drainage pipes to cope with.

Parts of the ringway between Coventry Street and Comberton Hill have started to sink this week and yesterday emergency repair work began after a small section of the road collapsed.

Workmen had to carry out an emergency excavation to dig out the road surface to try and find more solid ground underneath. Work was due to continue until next Tuesday.

The gaping hole meant one lane of the carriageway from Coventry Street leading to Comberton Hill, will be closed leading to tailbacks.

Other sections of ring road that are sinking around the town centre as well as parts of Horsefair, Baxter Avenue and Comberton, according to workmen.

It is believed the pressure of heavy rainfall means old drainage pipes cannot cope. Joints have separated leaving water washing away the road surface and causing it to drop.

Although there could be other problems with the underground pipes, which is causing the road to sink, recent heavy rainfall is being blamed for making the situation worse.

The problem on the ringway started on Monday. The road was patched up at first but it kept sinking. Heavy rain is believed to have put pressure on the old pipes.

Footpaths across the area have also been eroded by the recent weather.

Sarah-Jayne Butcher, spokesman for Worcestershire County Council, said: "The collapse of the road in Kidderminster is currently being investigated.

"The Highways Department is in the process of undertaking an emergency excavation."