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Peterborough sinkhole to be repaired after almost three years

Emma Baugh Cracked pavementEmma Baugh
The repair costs are expected to run into millions

Work could finally begin to repair a sinkhole in a city centre - almost three years after it first opened up.

The hole on a riverside footpath next to Peterborough's Town Bridge was first reported in 2021, closing the walkway.

Since then there have been debates over who is responsible for paying for the works, which could cost millions.

The freeholders say "permissions for the works are being progressed" and there are plans for it to be carried out later this year.

Henry Penn Walk has been shut since the sinkhole opened up.

Emma Baugh Sign and barrier blocking the footpathEmma Baugh
The sinkhole has made the riverside footpath a no-go area
Emma Baugh Cracked footpathEmma Baugh
The footpath is near the Town Bridge, which carries London Road over the River Nene

Riverview House Freehold Ltd has now released a statement through the city council saying the works are due to start later this year.

"Permissions for the works are being progressed with the relevant bodies and the freeholders are planning to have works under way during the summer," the firm said.

'Eyesore'

Toby Wood, vice chairman of the Peterborough Civic Society, said the work was long overdue.

"It's not a good look for Peterborough. The word eyesore comes to mind," he said.

"We have written a lot of letters and have been given assurances.

"It restricts how people move around the river area and, if we want to promote the Embankment, this isn't helping."

Emma Baugh Man with dogEmma Baugh
"It's a route that a lot of people want to use," said Paul Harrison, who walks his dog in the area

Paul Harrison, 55, walks his dog in the area and said: "It should have been done long before now.

"They seem to look after all the posh areas, but don't look after the areas that desperately need it. It is a good through route that a lot of people want to use."

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