Woman's fears after hole in car park is boarded up with wood

A drain in the car park in Paddock Road, South Ham, has been left damaged for more than a year, after a hole formed in the ground surrounding it.

To 'fix' this, Sovereign Network Group (SNG), which owns the land, placed a wooden board over the top when it was reported, says resident Justyna Czekanska, 43.

The 'temporary' measure has been in place ever since and is often damaged by cars driving over it, only to be replaced by another board.

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The hole underneath the board (Image: Newsquest)

Justyna expressed her fears for what might happen, telling the Gazette: "People break the wood when they drive their cars over it. I have reported it before along with neighbours, and they [SNG] just keep coming back with another plank and cover the hole.

"One day when I arrived back home from town, the hole was uncovered. It's a kind of clear hazard for me. It can break your car, break your leg - if you are walking in the car park it could cause damage to your body."

She added that "it is really easy to remove, children could get hurt.

"If somebody removed it, you can damage your car and wreck it, or if kids are running around or riding on their bikes, they could get hurt. Lots of elderly people live here too so I am worried for them. In the dark, you can't see it very well.

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Justyna with the board (Image: Newsquest)

"It's really just an accident waiting to happen."

She told the Gazette that SNG assured her the wooden board would be there temporarily, however, one year on, she says: "I don't see any further action to just actually fix what's underneath."

A spokesperson for SNG said: "Our team will visit Paddock Road today (November 13) to reassess the site and make sure it is safe until a full repair is made later this month."