Rapid Repair: North Tyneside Allotments’ Sinkhole Fixed in Just 48 Hours

Last month, the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) took swift action in response to reports of a sinkhole at Marden Farm Allotments in North Tyneside. Remarkably, the team completed the necessary repairs within just two days.

The sinkhole originated from a collapse of shallow, unrecorded historical mine workings situated beneath a paved area on one of the allotment plots. This unexpected incident affected a plot that was densely populated with raised beds, greenhouses, and garden furniture, leaving only a narrow pathway leading to the site of the collapse.

A conventional dig-and-fill repair method would have entailed removing a significant portion of the plot’s infrastructure and crops, potentially prolonging the repair process to up to two weeks. However, the MRA opted for a more innovative approach.

Innovative Repair Techniques Minimise Disruption

Specialist contractors employed a technique involving the injection of expanding resin foam into the ground through small, drilled holes. This method effectively stabilised the collapse from below, requiring only the lifting of a few paving slabs. As a result, the plot was restored to good condition promptly upon completion of the work.

This alternative approach not only reduced the estimated repair time from two weeks to a mere two days but also achieved this at a lower cost and with considerably less disruption for the allotment users.

Colin Campbell, the safety officer at Marden Farm Allotments, expressed appreciation for the MRA’s efforts, stating, “From the moment they arrived, the team kept us informed and explained exactly what was happening. Based on previous experiences with two similar collapses that required excavation and backfilling, we were concerned about the disruption a repair like this might cause. However, they completed the work in just two days, and you’d hardly know they’d been here. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

Successful Collaboration Yields Positive Results

Barry Whitelaw, project manager at the MRA, acknowledged the importance of minimising disruption for plot holders. “We recognised immediately that a standard excavation would have caused significant inconvenience to the allotment holders—these plots are incredibly important to them. We aimed to carry out the work with minimal impact,” he remarked.

Whitelaw further stated, “We maintained close communication with Colin throughout the process, and I’m delighted we could devise a solution that satisfied everyone involved. Completing the work in two days while leaving the site in the same condition as we found it was a fantastic outcome, and our team did not let the heatwave hinder their progress!”

Concerns regarding coal mining hazards can be reported to the MRA at any time by calling 0800 288 4242. For media inquiries, contact the community response team via email at communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk or by telephone at 0800 288 4211. For urgent media inquiries outside of standard hours, please call 0800 288 4242, as only pressing media calls will be addressed.