Safety Fears as Holbeach Roads Show Signs of Subsidence as Two Sinkholes Appear

Concerns are mounting in Holbeach after two local roads were reported to be subsiding, raising safety fears for motorists.

Residents have highlighted serious issues on the B1165 Raven’s Bank and the B1168 Fen Road, prompting councillors and highways officials to step in.

The warnings come just months after Lincolnshire County Council was forced to close the old A1073 Spalding Road near Crowland due to similar structural problems. Many in the community fear history could repeat itself if urgent repairs are not carried out.

Residents Sound the Alarm

On the Fix My Street reporting website, one local described Fen Road near the Hurdletree Bank junction as “collapsing,” adding that drivers are now being forced into the path of oncoming traffic to avoid damaging their vehicles. The post warned that the damaged section stretches across a significant length of the road.

A separate complaint about Raven’s Bank stated: “The road is sinking and traffic has to slow considerably to pass over it.”

These reports reflect growing frustrations among residents who rely on rural roads but feel that maintenance often lags behind urban priorities.

Councillor Pushes for Urgent Repairs

Holbeach division councillor Thomas Sneath confirmed he has raised both issues with Lincolnshire County Council’s highways team.

“I’ve requested urgent inspections to assess the extent of the subsidence and any potential safety risks,” he said. “Ensuring the safety and reliability of our rural road network is a priority.”

According to Cllr Sneath, inspections have already taken place at both sites. Repair work has been ordered for Fen Road, where one of the council’s delivery gangs has been assigned to address the damage.

He praised residents for continuing to raise concerns: “Their input is vital in helping us maintain and improve our local infrastructure. I’d encourage people to keep reporting issues through Fix My Street or to contact me directly.”

Wider Challenges for Rural Roads

Lincolnshire has one of the largest road networks in the UK, much of it in rural areas. With limited budgets and heavy agricultural and freight traffic, many local roads are vulnerable to subsidence, potholes, and general wear and tear.

The concerns in Holbeach underline the ongoing challenge of keeping rural routes safe and reliable, especially when they form critical links for communities, farms, and businesses.

For now, residents will be watching closely to see whether repairs are carried out swiftly enough to prevent closures or further deterioration.