A road in Hazlemere has been closed after a collapsed water main flooded a sinkhole, jeopardising homes, gardens and travel routes in the area.

The water main near Penn Road is currently being repaired by Affinity Water, with Buckinghamshire Council overseeing the works.

One Hazlemere resident said the flooding had caused a "nightmare" traffic build-up in the village, with further problems caused by people ignoring the 'road closed' signs and being forced to turn around close to the pre-established sinkhole, which the council said in February had been caused by a "historical issue".

They added: “It’s gridlocked all the way down to Rushmoor Avenue because of the number of cars and the limited pulling-in spaces along the road." 

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Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport at the council, said the water main repairs should be completed tomorrow, with the road closure removed and temporary lights reinstated.

He added that council inspectors would visit the site over the weekend before closing Penn Road again between Thursday and Saturday next week to repair the sinkhole and "make the road safe for all users".

A spokesperson for Affinity Water confirmed that an emergency main had burst on Penn Road yesterday (May 16).

They said: “Our team responded promptly to carry out the repair, which included installing valves. The repair is now being reinstated, and you can find further updates on our website.”