Jersey Fire and Rescue warn of 'unstable building' after burst water main causes sinkhole

Roads in the area will remain closed for the rest of the day (Wednesday 18 December) with residents being asked to avoid the area. Credit: ITV Channel

Jersey residents have been asked to avoid an area in the north of St Helier due to an unstable building caused by a sinkhole.

It comes as a water main burst in La Pouquelaye this morning (Wednesday 18 December).

Parts of Rouge Bouillon, La Pouquelaye and Clarendon Road will remain closed until at least 1:00pm tomorrow and Islanders are asked to continue to avoid the area.

There are warnings to avoid the area after cracks started to form on a nearby building. Credit: ITV Channel

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service say: "A burst water main has created a sinkhole underneath the road and significant cracks have appeared in the walls of the building that makes the corner of Clarendon Road, and Rouge Bouillon, at the bottom of La Pouquelaye.

"A lamppost has also been undermined and will need attention.

"Utilities services have been called to the scene and building control will determine whether or not the property is safe and when to reopen the road."

The burst water main in Rouge Bouillon has now been repaired. However, there is damage to the road and authorities remain concerned about the affected building.

A lamppost had to be removed due to the damage. Credit: ITV Channel

While school collections at D'Auvergne and Janvrin schools were affected, schools will be open tomorrow.

For Janvrin school, all parents are advised to park at Waitrose and walk via Drury Lane and College Gardens to drop off their children. d’Auvergne parents are also asked to walk, if possible, or to drive via Lower King’s Cliff (opposite The Inn).

Jersey Water has also stated: "The public is being asked to avoid the Rouge Bouillon area until further notice, to limit disruption as much as possible.

"Jersey Water apologises for any inconvenience caused."

The water utility company and the fire and rescue service say they will continue to provide updates.

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