Attleborough businesses lash out at 'nightmare' sinkhole

Technicians from Anglian Water were called on Monday to patch the sinkhole in Station Road that swallowed part of the street due to a burst water main.

Barriers were placed on the road to restrict traffic and remain in place four days later.

The water supplier issued an apology for the ongoing disruption on Wednesday, promising the issue to be fully fixed by the end of the week.

But businesses in the town have reported a hit to their trade as workers continue to address the leak.

Staff at Uplands Way Veterinary Clinic said on Thursday that clients with urgent needs have been unable to reach them as a result of the road closures. 

"We have had a number of clients telling us they're stuck in traffic and can't get to the practice," a receptionist said.

A shop worker from Break said trade in the town has quietened (Image: Google Maps)

"They've had to leave their cars elsewhere and walk.

"Some people are ringing us to ask if we're even open."

A shop worker at Break charity shop in nearby Church Street confirmed a noticeable decrease in trade. 

"We do have fewer customers and less footfall," she said. "The whole town is quieter.

"We'll just have to wait and see what that means for the weekend."

An assistant at Myhills said getting to and from work has been a nightmare (Image: Google Maps)

And an assistant at Myhills Pet and Garden in neighbouring High Street said for a few members of staff the ongoing work had been a "nightmare". 

"I live in Hethersett and getting into work this morning was awful," she added. 

"A lack of traffic and access this week has been noticeable in the shop."

A spokeswoman for Anglian Water said: "We're expecting the road to be reinstated and reopened by the end of this week."