Beach sink hole mystery may be solved

The mystery behind the Exmouth Beach sink hole which has opened up three times over the last six weeks may finally be resolved.

Following a tip off from a member of the public, East Devon District Council engineers have discovered a South West Water pipe deep under the sand which looks like it has become blocked in some way.

The engineers will now be working with South West Water and contractors over the coming weeks to resolve the problem.  Once the council has completed its investigations, it will be able to confirm a more accurate timescale.

The hole - measuring around two metres - seems to open up after heavy rain and the council’s streetscene team has cordoned off the area each time. On the two previous occasions, the sinkholes have remained for a few days before sand and other beach materials washed up through the natural actions of the tides have refilled them.

The beach is very popular with dog walkers and bathers who are being advised to avoid the cordoned off area as work on the site continues.

Nick Christo, East Devon District Council’s Streetscene Manager for the west of the district said: “We’re very confident we can resolve this problem and open up that area of the beach again for everyone to enjoy.”