4 hours ago
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A lorry has become stuck in a sinkhole on a rural road in Somerset after being sent to fix it.
Contractors from a company called Stabilised Pavements were sent to fix holes on Butleigh Drove, near Walton, when the ground gave way, the Times reported.
The lorry was left stuck at a near 45-degree angle, forcing the workers to abandon it.
Lucy Trimmell, an opposition councillor in Somerset, told the Times the council’s approach to road repairs was like “trying to darn a pair of fishnet tights” and the road network was “rapidly deteriorating”.
Richard Wilkins, the portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said council contractors had been working to fix the damage caused by Storm Chandra in January, as well as other weather events.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “As with other parts of the country, the recent cycle of wet and freezing conditions has led to a sudden deterioration in many roads.”
A spokesperson for Somerset council said: “Planned highway works are taking place on Butleigh Moor Drove (also known as Butleigh Drove) near Walton, and these works are being delivered by contractors.
“The road is constructed on peat and has experienced significant movement and rutting. Issues of this nature can occasionally arise when carrying out works in these conditions.
“A lorry involved in the works is due to be recovered. The site will then be assessed to determine the most appropriate approach to complete the repairs.”
Stabilised Pavements has been approached for comment.
