This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-34420519

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Lorries arrive to fill in St Albans sinkhole St Albans sinkhole: Concrete lorries start pouring
(about 3 hours later)
The first of dozens of lorries carrying a quick-drying concrete have arrived to start filling in a giant sinkhole in a residential street in St Albans. About 77,000 litres of quick-drying concrete have been pumped into a giant sinkhole in an attempt to repair a street in St Albans.
The 66ft (20m) diameter hole is spread across driveways and front gardens in Fontmell Close and is 33ft (10m) deep.The 66ft (20m) diameter hole is spread across driveways and front gardens in Fontmell Close and is 33ft (10m) deep.
Experts believe the sinkhole, which has left 50 homes without power, was caused by the collapse of a unrecorded mine.Experts believe the sinkhole, which has left 50 homes without power, was caused by the collapse of a unrecorded mine.
Hertfordshire County Council said a further 100,000 litres of concrete would be poured in on Saturday.
The concrete will be left to set on Sunday.
On Monday morning a further 100,000 litres of foam concrete, brought in by lorries, will be poured in and later in the week it is hoped the utilities services can be restored.
A private security firm has been appointed to keep a watch on homes in Fontmell Close and Bridle Close from Friday evening onwards, and a temporary emergency access road was created for residents to get their cars out via a playing field behind the site.
Richard Thake, cabinet member for community safety, said: "At this time we cannot say exactly how long this will take, but it is likely to take several days.
"All agencies are working together to get residents back to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so.
"Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in the area and minimise disruption and to resolve the situation as soon as possible."
Five homes were evacuated in the early hours of Thursday after residents heard a crash and the hole appeared.Five homes were evacuated in the early hours of Thursday after residents heard a crash and the hole appeared.
A small hole in the footpath was cordoned off last week, but Hertfordshire County Council said there was "no reason to suspect that the hole would collapse".A small hole in the footpath was cordoned off last week, but Hertfordshire County Council said there was "no reason to suspect that the hole would collapse".
One local resident told the BBC his wife had previously seen a postman fall in the smaller hole and he had looked "quite badly injured". One resident told the BBC his wife had previously seen a postman fall in the smaller hole and he had looked "quite badly injured".
Search for mines
Residents have been told it could take weeks to repair the road.Residents have been told it could take weeks to repair the road.
What causes a sinkhole?What causes a sinkhole?
The British Geological Survey says there are several different types of sinkhole, sometimes known as "dolines".The British Geological Survey says there are several different types of sinkhole, sometimes known as "dolines".
The BBC reporter at the scene, Ben Ando, said the foamed concrete will gradually be poured into the hole to stabilise it.
It is designed to expand in the ground, filling any voids.
He added it will take at least until the middle of next week to complete the initial fill work before utilities can be reconnected.
Engineers said on Thursday afternoon there was still evidence that the ground was moving, several hours after the primary collapse.
Families affected are being helped by the district council. Most are now staying with relatives, though nine people were put up last night in a hotel.
Students at the University of Hertfordshire are beginning to source old maps to find any ancient or extinct mine workings that may be responsible for the hole.
The university said such maps may also give a clue as to other areas at risk.