A SINKHOLE which opened in a Hampshire road causing a delays for a month is expected to cost £200,000 in repairs.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the hole opened up in westbound carriageway of the Titchfield bypass in August causing huge tailbacks and forcing one lane to be closed. It was caused by leaking pipes and took a month to repair.

The hole had to be temporarily supported and a concrete barrier was put in place to protect the A27 lane.

Now a Hampshire County Council document has revealed that the work, which was described as an “emergency repair”, will cost £200,000 of taxpayers’ money.

The document stated: “A deep excavation revealed old leaking pipes that had scoured out a large cavity below, eventually causing the pipes to drop taking the surface material with them.

“At four metres down significant safety precautions were required, and to add to the difficulties there were also a number of services, including a large gas main, that required supporting and protecting during the repairs.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment Seán Woodward said: “Those repairing it were working in very difficult conditions, managed to keep the A27 open at all times and they were working under the ground in appalling conditions.

“It is what it is. The repairs involved a lot of people and a lot of equipment for a long time. The cost does not surprise me and it shows the need for reserves.”