Maidstone & The Weald MP Helen Grant visited Barming resident Mrs Noreen 'Nolly' Clarke today to check she was being suitably attended to, following the appearance of a massive sinkhole at the end of her garden and driveway on Easter Sunday.
Whilst on site Helen met senior officials from South East Water and their subcontractor Southern Testing. They are looking into the reason behind the geological movement that led to the collapse of the surface of Nolly's garden.
There will be several boreholes sunk in order to diagnose the problem and ensure the correct rectification works are undertaken. The situation is not expected to be resolved for two or three weeks.
Helen said 'The effect of this collapse could have been so much more serious and I am thankful that Mrs Clarke says she is fine and very happy with the way her interests and her property is being looked after'.
'I asked Nolly, who is a volunteer for Maidstone Dementia Society, if there was anything she needed. Her main concern was that she could still get to Maidstone King Street on Monday morning where she is helps Involve at their weekly coffee morning for older people in Maidstone. She is such a lovely lady, putting others first despite having a huge sinkhole to deal with'.
'From my investigations it is apparent is that everyone involved sprang into action extremely quickly and deserve some commendation. The loss of water to some 30 households was reported at 8am on Easter Sunday morning and was rectified by 11am, just three hours later. Southern Water and Kent County Council highways department are working together to find the reason for the collapse and then take the necessary action as quickly as possible'.