Council begins work on repairing Soot Hill landslip

The incident happened on December 28 last year, when land under the carriageway gave way opposite Cosgrove Business Park.

However, three months on, Cheshire West and Chester Council say teams have been on site and carried out the first phase of repair works.

Cranes have removed large concrete blocks from the site and high voltage cables have been supported.

Cheshire West and Chester released this image of a crane on the Soot Hill landslip site

Other aspects of the first phase of the works include:

• Anchor blocks installed at either side of the collapsed section to create a temporary ‘cable bridge’ for the high voltage cables currently hanging in the void. 
• Generators will then arrive on site ready for the power to the hanging cables to be switched off – a generator for each of the substations supplied by the existing cable will then provide power.

The council have set up a dedicated page on its website to keep the public up to date on the latest developments.

It reads: "It is not currently safe to access the site due to the risk of further collapse material falling onto the site.

"To protect the public, the council has erected signage around the affected area, asking people not approach the site."

The landslip on Soot Hill happened on December 28 - Image: Paul Noden (Image: Paul Noden)

"The process for repairs is a complex one that requires a careful approach to repair the damage and ensure the safety of those undertaking the works and those adjacent to the site.

"Due to complex, difficult, and costly nature of the repairs needed, it is anticipated the road will remain closed for at least a further 12 months. 

"Our response to the land slip is being progressed as promptly as possible."