Southern Water could need more time on Appley sewer works

Any continuation of work on the seafront would likely impact nearby businesses, but Southern Water says, if it doesn't act now, there could be new problems in the future

Back in January, a sinkhole on a stretch of the beach-side footpath at Appley emerged.

Scroll down for Southern Water's statement in full.

A mains sewer line deep below the surface was identified as the cause, and the utility firm soon started 'complex repairs' due to the size and depth of the pipe.

It saw tankers brought in to transfer wastewater, and the installation of temporary bypass pipes.

Read more: 'Package of support' over Southern Water's sinkhole repairs

Read more: Southern Water steps up Ryde sinkhole sewer repairs

Almost ten months on, and no concrete end date is in sight.

Southern Water says it must now make a decision on whether to stop working and restore the area and risk further damage in the future, or to extend the works.

It comes after additional questions emerged concerning the condition of the sewer nearby.

Nearby businesses continue to face disruption ­— perhaps none suffering more so than the Cadet Beach Club on Ryde seafront.

The restaurant was forced to close, announcing it could no longer operate in the proximity of the noisy, smelly works at the beach sinkhole.

Re-opening last week, it is experiencing a severe drop in footfall. At 1pm on Tuesday ­— a time when the restaurant would normally be full of customers ­— just two had entered its doors.

Ryde Inshore Rescue's shop

The County Press has been told the smell around the site varies from day to day, and the restaurant is surrounded by barriers ­— causing many potential customers to look the other way.

Read more: VIDEO Ryde sinkhole means 'complex repair' by Southern Water

Read more: Southern Water on fear Ryde sinkhole closure could be till October

No access to the adjacent car park for customers is also having an impact on both the restaurant, and Ryde Inshore Rescue (RIR)'s shop, which sits opposite.

But RIR treasurer, Ady Farrell, says some of the customers who would normally visit the Cadet Beach Club are turning to them instead, so they've still had customers.

"It's hard to say if it's had a massive impact on us really," said Ady.

"It's an inconvenience, and the lack of parking is certainly stopping a lot of people from coming.

"The smell could well be putting people off, too, and during the summer holidays we would expect to see a lot more people down here.

"The guys working down there, and the liaisons we've had with Southern Water, I can't fault. The site workers have been very helpful."

The County Press has been invited by Southern Water to a site meeting next week ­to discuss the works.

Southern Water statement: "The team working on the sinkhole at Appley has successfully overcome major engineering challenges posed by the geology and location of the collapsed sewer and completed the original repairs.

"During the work, additional questions are emerging regarding the condition of the sewer nearby.

"Our project managers ­— in consultation with key stakeholders ­— must now make a decision on whether to stop working and restore the area and risk further damage in the future or to extend the works.

"We recognise that extending the works would cause further inconvenience for beach users and businesses nearby, but this must be balanced against ensuring customers are properly served now and in the future and the environment protected.

"As soon as the decision is taken a detailed update will be given to customers, stakeholders and the media.

"We remain committed to minimising impact on the area, community, local businesses and environment; having made significant interim payments on account, pending figures showing loss of earnings to local businesses.

"We are also in conversations with the rowing club and inshore rescue to support these important community groups."