Hythe: Sinkhole sparks traffic ban at 225-home marina

The incident involves a narrow road over a stream that separates West Street, Hythe, from buildings at the landward side of the marina.

No vehicles are being allowed to enter or leave the site, which comprises 225 homes and several businesses.

The sinkhole outside the entrance to Hythe Marina Village (Image: Newsquest)

A pontoon bridge will be installed over the damaged section of road but is unlikely to be in position for several days.

The sinkhole was spotted by one of the marina residents at 7am yesterday.

Part of the pavement had fallen into the void below, exposing at least two utility cables and leaving part of a low wooden fence suspended in midair.

People living on the marina were given a chance to move their cars to other parts of Hythe but no vehicles were allowed in.

Only the emergency services will be permitted to enter the marina until further notice. 

Traffic has been banned from entering or leaving the marina (Image: Newsquest.)

Diane Herbert, of Hythe Marina Association, said: "We asked New Forest District Council if we could use their car parks. They said we could but we'd have to pay, which is a bit mean.

"We thought one of the Hythe car parks was owned by the parish council but it wasn't so we couldn't use that.

"I've parked in a friend's driveway but a lot of other cars are lining the streets. One of the residents is moving house today - I don't know what's happening there."

The only visible damage is a hole in the pavement but the sinkhole is thought to extend halfway under the road.

Diane Herbert is a member of Hythe Marina Association (Image: Newsquest.)

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade, who inspected the site, said there was a possibility that tidal action could cause further damage.

He added: "Hampshire County Council is on the case and is trying to resolve the situation at the earliest opportunity.

"The big challenge is finding somewhere for residents to park their cars. We're investigating the possibility of using the old police station site and are trying to contact the Police and Crime Commissioner."

Roshan Seedheeyan is director of one of the businesses affected, The Boathouse hotel and restaurant.

He said: "We informed the guests we could contact and left messages for those we couldn't. We're doing the same for people due to arrive in the next few days."

Hampshire County Council has been contacted for comment.