Deputy Mayor Paul Brant

Dingle Tunnel repairs contract signed

Work is set to start on repairs to an underground tunnel which collapsed below homes in Liverpool.

The city council has brokered a resolution to the outstanding legal issues, paving the way for work in the old Dingle Station to begin.

The work has been awarded to specialist engineering firm SES Contracting Ltd, who have significant experience in repairs of this nature.

Residents affected by the partial collapse of the tunnel in Dingle have had to live in temporary accommodation since the incident in July 2012 after it was deemed unsafe for them to return to their own homes.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Paul Brant, said: “I am delighted that we are finally in a position where work can shortly get underway to repair Dingle Tunnel.

“This has taken longer to finalise than we would have wished, but I am proud that the Council stuck with mediating between the parties as it was vital to ensuring that residents were not left in a permanent legal limbo.

“It has been a dreadfully frustrating time for those affected, and I fully appreciate, understand and sympathise with them.

“This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to sort this difficult situation out, and I would like to thank residents for their support and patience while negotiations have continued.

“We will of course be keeping them updated on progress and let them know when we have a start date for the work.”

A total of 11 properties were evacuated – eight in Sundridge Street, one in Toxteth Grove and two in Dingle Grove.

The collapsed area of the tunnel is at the old Dingle station on the Liverpool Overhead Railway.

An initial safety inspection will take place in the next few weeks, and on successful completion, the contractors will start the repair work.

It is estimated that the project will take at least three months to complete after it starts.

Liverpool Waterfront