Myth: People frequently comment about the sinkhole in Henry Penn Walk and question why the council hasn’t carried out repair works to resolve the issue sooner.
Fact: Whilst we understand people’s frustration at the amount of time this has taken, this is a highly complicated matter concerning privately-owned land, which is the Freeholder’s responsibility to resolve and not the council’s. The Freeholder is Riverview House Freehold Ltd.
People have often asked why the council could not step in and carry out the works because of the impact it was having on residents. Doing so would set a dangerous precedent where owners of private land could avoid carrying out works they are responsible for, in the hope the council would step in. That would not be a good use of taxpayers' money and is money we don't have.
As of 5 September 2025, the Freeholder is set to commence works in Henry Penn Walk to resolve the matter, with this work due to start in April 2026.
This follows extensive discussions with the Freeholders and the Environment Agency to seek a viable engineering solution. Whilst these discussions were ongoing, the council acted to make the area safe by installing fencing.
We look forward to seeing this work completed by the Freeholders which will resolve an unsightly issue and enable public access to Henry Penn Walk to be restored.