Extra free car parking and seven-day working considered to fight Sheringham sinkhole

Extra free car parking and seven-day working could be introduced to tackle problems associated with the Sheringham sinkhole.

The cavernous hole in the High Street appeared nearly three weeks ago.

Traders have been badly affected by the closure of the High Street but the town council is keen to emphasise that the treasured seaside town is still open for business.

The North Norfolk News and Eastern Daily Press have launched a campaign to promote the town and highlight what makes it so special.

Meanwhile, more details have emerged of how the sinkhole will be fixed.

The Chamber of Trade held a successful meeting with Anglian Water, Sheringham Town Council, North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) and Highways on Wednesday night.

Deputy mayor Liz Withington said: "Anglian Water (AW) engineers said the next stage of the project involves excavating the hole down to the level of the sewer pipe. This is anticipated to be approximately eight metres, which is as high as the buildings.

"To do this they will be inserting metal sheets to secure the hole and prevent further collapse and allow Anglia Water staff to work safely.

"Due to the restricted nature of the site and void some of the excavation may have to be by hand.

"AW anticipates it will reach the sewer pipe around next Thursday. Once they are able to view the sewer and ascertain how it can be reconnected they will have a clearer idea of timescales.

"All current timings are given with a clear caveat that it is dependent on what is discovered as they excavate.

"AW is fully aware of the need to get the western pedestrian access open and gave assurances that it will be a priority, but with safety dictating the timescale."

Signage continues to be a concern and it was agreed to look urgently at parking signs to direct traffic to Morris Street, she added.

Mrs Withington added: "A request for free, 45 minutes of car parking at Morris Street from NNDC was made to be considered urgently in order to counter the loss of parking spaces on the High Street.

"Anglian Water, appreciating the priority to complete as quickly as possible, has enquired with traders near the hole about their views of seven-day working, and there has been a positive response to this.

"In order to take some of the pressure off the sinkhole services a pump and pipe diversion have been installed. This has led to the closure of a small section of Morris Street but, be assured, there is full access to the car park via Augusta Street."

Sheringham Town Council has bought banners for the roundabout stating Sheringham is open for business and Anglian Water has brought in additional signage stating the individual shops affected are open as well.

The message continues to be Sheringham is very much open for business and looks forward to seeing lots of visitors, the council said.