Sinkhole repair could cost fifth of council income

Fixing a huge sinkhole that emerged in a car park could cost over 20% of a parish council's "primary source of income", the authority has said.

The 2m (6ft 6ins) crater was discovered in East Park Farm Car Park in Charvil, Berkshire, on 20 November.

Charvil Parish Council (CBC) said repairs would "place a significant financial burden on the parish and our residents".

It is obtaining legal advice on whether the cost is its responsibility, or whether it falls to Wokingham Borough Council (WBC).

The BBC has approached WBC for comment.

In a post on Facebook, the parish council said the quote provided by WBC "amounts to the equivalent of over 20% of the annual Parish Precept, our primary source of income".

It said shouldering the burden "would impact on the funds available for us to continue maintaining and improving other facilities around the village".

The cost could increase "as further investigations are completed", CBC added.

"We have taken legal advice to clarify whether the cost of repair should be the responsibility of Charvil Parish Council, as leaseholder of the carpark, or Wokingham Borough Council, as the land owner," the authority said.

It said it would work with WBC "to have the repairs done as soon as is practicable" once "financial responsibility has been established beyond reasonable doubt".

The car park will remain closed until it can be opened safely, either partially or fully.

Residents should walk or cycle to nearby facilities if possible, or use car-sharing if not, the council said.

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