Dorking town centre street finally opens after sinkhole closes it for months

Shoppers in Dorking now have full access to West Street after a sinkhole left the area closed to motorists for months. At the end of August, a large sinkhole meant that the area became pedestrian only, angering some shop owners.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We’ve now completed our repairs to a broken surface water pipe on West Street, replacing approximately 34 metres. Our engineers have left site and reinstated the road ahead of the Christmas period. We’d like to thank local businesses and people for their patience while we carried out these essential works.”

The sinkhole was caused due to a damaged surface water sewer pipe. Its location meant that the repair was complex, and required having to work by hand in places.

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However, the scale of the damage means that further work will be needed next year along other sections of the pipe. There is not yet a date for these works, as a timetable will be decided after a discussion with Mole Valley Council, Surrey Highways as well as the local community.

Inspections have shown the damage was caused by rubble from the initial collapse as well as further structural issues in the brickwork. Workers from Thames Water believe that the risk of further issues with the pipe is low and that the local community will be updated on their plans.

The roadworks have meant that access to the West Street has been limited to pedestrians. In September one shop owner told SurreyLive that footfall was clearly down and that some were struggling.

The reopening of the road means that the street is open in time for Christmas and the town's celebrations.