Residents of Castle Cary, Somerset, turned an ongoing inconvenience into a lighthearted community event by celebrating the fourth birthday of a persistent sinkhole on Station Road. The sunken road, which has kept the area closed for years, was festively adorned with balloons tied to fences and a large banner proclaiming, “Happy 4th Birthday Sinkhole.”
The sinkhole has remained open for an extended period near the pavement, significantly affecting the main pedestrian route into town for three nearby housing estates. Local resident David Lee described how the sinkhole has become a well-known local landmark and a “running joke” among those navigating the closure daily.
David highlighted the challenges the hole poses, especially for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, who must carefully maneuver complex ramps and sharp turns to continue their journey into town. “It’s made walking into town a bit of a nightmare,” he said, underscoring the ongoing impact on the community.
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Somerset Council announced they are preparing to repair the road but noted the complexity of the issue. Temporary traffic lights were installed in July 2024 in an initial attempt to manage the problem and attempt repairs on a perceived road drop. However, investigations revealed that the issue is more complicated than anticipated, possibly requiring involvement from utility providers and other parties.
The council explained that attempts to investigate the underlying causes were inconclusive. The watercourse running beneath the road has become restricted, and a thorough excavation will be necessary to fully assess and address the sinkhole.
Despite the disruption, the community has embraced the sinkhole with a spirit of humor and solidarity, as demonstrated by the colorful balloons and birthday banner surrounding the fenced-off area.