Date: 17th November 2009

Danger of Land Collapse in Rochester Residential Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In Hoopers Road, in Rochester East, local residents have been dismayed by the growing flytipping on a disused piece of land.  However, dismay turned to alarm when an underground cavity opened up, following the recent heavy rain.
Cllr Teresa Murray, Labour ward councillor for Rochester East, has investigated, and is horrified by the danger it poses to residents.  The hole is at least eight feet deep and two feet wide.
She has called on the Council to fence it off to protect people, and to get the land cleared of the flytipping.
Cllr Murray said,
“I was actually quite scared when I saw the state of the pit that’s opened up- a fully grown adult could quite easily fall in, never mind a child or family pet.  It could be a cellar from an old bombed out house, and I fear that more land could subside, as the ground felt very soft.”
“The resident who reported it said that they’d been trying to get the flytipping cleared up for months.  They had used the call centre repeatedly, but nothing had been done.  If someone is vigilant enough and takes the time to call the Council about flytipping, the least they should expect is some action.”
“I reported this to the Council today, and am pleased to say that officers have now dealt with it and made the area safe, and that it’s being inspected.  I just hope the mess gets cleared away as well.”
ENDS

For further comment please contact Cllr Teresa Murray on Mobile: 07855 378043 or Home: 01634 409486.  Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634 332393.