Yard Surface Outside Front Door, July 2026
Inspection
Date: 8 July 2026
Compiled by: Glyn, Committee Chair (and builder)
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1. Purpose Of Inspection
This inspection was carried out following a complaint received from Mary Jackson regarding an injury sustained outside the front door of the Chapel.
Mary described the defect in the yard surface as “either a pothole or the beginning of a sinkhole.” The purpose of this inspection was to review the condition of the area, assess the immediate risk to visitors, and determine what further action should be taken.
2. Location
The defect is located immediately outside the front doorway, in the gravel and compacted earth area at the base of the entrance step.
This is a regular route used by visitors entering and leaving the Chapel when the front door is in use.
3. Observations
A depression in the yard surface was observed close to the front entrance.
The affected area is approximately medium-sized, with loose gravel around the edge and darker compacted earth visible within the depression. Some water appears to collect in the lowest part after rain.
The surrounding ground is uneven but broadly consistent with the condition of the wider yard. No visible cracking, subsidence pattern, fresh ground movement, or widening of the affected area was observed at the time of inspection.
4. Assessment
The defect should be treated as a pothole or surface depression requiring attention.
There is not currently sufficient evidence to describe it as a sinkhole. In my view, Mary’s description of a possible sinkhole was likely influenced by the circumstances of her injury and the understandable upset caused by it. A sinkhole would ordinarily suggest more significant ground collapse, continuing movement, or evidence that material is being lost below the surface. None of these signs were observed during this inspection.
That said, the defect is in a poor location, being directly in front of the Chapel entrance, and it does present a trip or ankle-twist risk if left unmarked.
5. Immediate Action (Recommended)
1. The front door should remain out of ordinary use until the defect has been addressed or made safe.
2. Visitors should be directed to use the side door.
3. A temporary warning notice should be placed near the front entrance.
4. The defect should be marked clearly, using a cone or other visible barrier where available.
5. The area should be checked again after heavy rain to confirm whether water is worsening the depression.
6. Council Involvement
As the yard surface and access route may fall within the area historically maintained with Council involvement, Stephen should be asked to confirm the Council’s position.
The Council should be asked:
1. Whether it accepts any responsibility for repair of the yard surface.
2. Whether it can inspect the defect formally.
3. Whether temporary safety measures are required pending repair.
4. Whether the Chapel may undertake a temporary fill using gravel, or whether this would prejudice any Council repair.
7. Next Steps
Geoff should continue to keep the front door out of use for visitors until the matter is resolved.
Stephen should contact the relevant Council department and request advice or inspection.
If no Council response is received within a reasonable period, the Committee should consider arranging a temporary repair to reduce the immediate risk, while keeping a record of any materials used and photographs taken before and after the work.
8. Conclusion
The defect is a genuine hazard and should not be ignored.
Based on visual inspection, it should be recorded as a pothole or surface depression rather than a sinkhole at this stage. Further classification may be reconsidered if the area worsens, widens, deepens, or begins swallowing anything larger than ordinary gravel.