Investigations fail to reveal the cause of two sinkholes in Preston city centre

Investigations have failed to reveal the cause of two sinkholes that opened up during a facelift of part of Preston city centre.

The first of the so-called ‘voids’ was discovered on Orchard Street on 23rd July, before a larger one appeared last week.

The emergence of the first crater led to work on the thoroughfare – which connects Friargate South to the market area – being put on hold.

Preston City Council has now revealed that a series of surveys carried out in conjunction with Lancashire County Council – the highways authority – and United Utilities, which owns the underground water and sewage infrastructure, has so far proved inclusive.

In a letter to traders affected by the delayed work, the authority said: “United Utilities is reviewing the findings [of the surveys], but at this time it does not appear that the void has been caused by any of its assets.

“Investigations by all agencies will continue and once a solution to address the cause of the problem – and a course of action – is agreed upon, works will resume on Orchard Street.

“We recognise that this delay and the resulting disruption is of concern to businesses.

“However, resolving the issue on Orchard Street is essential to ensure the long-term integrity of the highway and underground infrastructure.”

The city council also issued an update on the wider revamp, which takes in Friargate South, Cheapside and Market Street – as well as Orchard Street – and sought to reassure businesses that efforts are being made to ensure the area looks good for the busy run-up to Christmas.

On Friargate South, work has begun close to the junction with Cheapside. The gates and raised planters that have long stood in that location have been removed, white the area has been excavated in preparation for the laying of new granite paving.

Work is expected to continue over “the next few months” in that localised area, but the overhaul planned for the rest of Friargate South is not due to begin until the new year. However, the authority says the schedule may change “to ensure work continues in a timely fashion”.

Meanwhile, on Cheapside, “good progress” is said to be being made on the preparatory work for its new paving – and the job is expected to be completed in December. The footways will reopen as each section is finished.

The overarching project – funded by an estimated £3.8m share of the £20m awarded to Preston from the last government’s Levelling Up Fund – is due to be completed by early next summer.

The city council’s letter to traders added: “We appreciate the works [have] caused some disruption and inconvenience to businesses. The council…will try to minimise this wherever practicable.

“Working closely with BID Preston [the business improvement district, we] will also ensure the city centre is presented positively and festively dressed where possible during the important Christmas trading period.

“Please bear with us as the short-term disruption will be outweighed by the long-term benefits for businesses. The improvements will benefit traders by creating more attractive streets – as a place to shop and visit – and [are] expected to increase footfall and attract more customers.”

The overall scheme will see dated surfaces replaced to give the streets a modern new look, with new seating introduced and trees planted. It has also been designed as the final phase of a vision to create a seamless link for pedestrians and cyclists from the university to the city centre, following on from work to Friargate North which was completed almost three years ago.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed earlier this month, vehicles are to be prohibited from Friargate South, Orchard Street, Lowthian Street and a small section of Market Street between 11am and 4pm each day. Access for loading by goods vehicles will be allowed only outside of those hours and will be subject to a new one-way system.