Sinkhole on Eton Grove in Blackheath Poses Hazard for Drivers and Cyclists

April 30, 2026

A sinkhole has appeared on Eton Grove in Blackheath, within the London Borough of Lewisham, creating a significant and immediate hazard for both drivers and cyclists. The issue, which emerged today, remains unresolved and poses a real risk of damage to vehicles and potential injury to road users. Photos accompany the report.

The Problem Explained

According to a resident report on FixMyStreet, a sinkhole has formed in the street at the juncture of Eton Grove and Dacre Park in London SE13. The report states that while it has not yet fully opened, it looks likely to do so soon. A resident highlights that the defect is difficult to see and will certainly damage cars, especially those low to the ground, if driven into. Furthermore, the report alleges it presents a significant risk to cyclists who may not spot it in time.

Local Impact and Context

The presence of this developing sinkhole on Eton Grove directly impacts daily commutes and local travel in the Blackheath area. Eton Grove is situated near several community hubs, including various schools in the SE13 postcode such as Brindishe Green School and Prendergast Vale School, meaning many families and young people use these roads daily. Blackheath itself is a family-friendly area, with landmarks like All Saints' Church, making road safety paramount for residents and visitors alike. While no specific history of repeat sinkhole issues at this exact junction was found, potholes are a widespread concern across London, with many councils actively working to address them.

Council Response and Status

The report indicates that details of the sinkhole on Eton Grove have been passed to the Highways department, and the status was changed to "Internal referral" by Lewisham Borough Council today. Lewisham Council is responsible for maintaining most public roads in the borough. The council has previously demonstrated a commitment to addressing road defects, with data from 2022-2024 showing an average pothole repair time of 1.87 days. For 2025-2026, Lewisham Council received a 'green' rating for its pothole management, recognised for prioritising long-term repairs and maintaining high road standards. The council conducts condition surveys of all roads every two to three years and plans to undertake numerous minor carriageway repairs this year. Residents are encouraged to report any potholes, which triggers an inspection to assess the need for repair.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on data from FixMyStreet.

Document: Sinkhole in the road, 29th April

Source Link: https://www.fixmystreet.com/report/9373592

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