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13
May
Ripon sinkhole latest: three homes evacuated
Three homes in Ripon had to be evacuated after a sinkhole was discovered at the weekend.
Firefighters were called to reports of a hole opening up at 3.36pm on Sunday (May 10).
They found a two-metre deep crater measuring 5m x 5m wide.
Brief details were revealed at the time, but the Stray Ferret has been finding out more.
North Yorkshire Council said on Tuesday (May 13) it was alerted to a hole beneath a property at Cathedral View shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
It added:
The site was secured and the affected home and two surrounding properties were evacuated, with occupants arranging alternative accommodation.
Cathedral View is a park home development off North Road. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service initially said the incident was on North Road.
The fire service said “there was no further movement on site” when crews returned on Monday morning.
Councillor Barbara Brodigan, a Liberal Democrat who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa on the council, thanked firefighters for their “prompt actions” to safeguard the families affected.
Cllr Brodigan said:
There are certain areas of Ripon where the existence of gypsum is prevalent, unfortunately Cathedral View is situated near such an area. I’m sure the upheaval of evacuation has been a worrying time for the families, but thankfully they are safe.
If residents notice a suspected sinkhole near their homes they should keep well clear and report it immediately. The surrounding ground may be unstable even if it looks safe. Residents should contact emergency services and notify the council but must not try to repair or fill the hole themselves.
Ripon is situated on a layer of water-soluble rock called gypsum, which makes it susceptible to sinkholes.
The north-east of the city, where Cathedral View is situated, is particularly badly affected.
Last year, the Stray Ferret reported that blocks of council flats on Princess Close in the nearby Magdalens area of the city were to be demolished due to sinkholes.
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