The Street in Aldham may not open again until summer

The Street in Aldham, near Hadleigh, has been shut since November 19 after the road collapsed and gave way. 

Suffolk Highways has confirmed the closure is to remain in place at least until the early part of summer, when it is hoped repairs can be progressed and completed following design work. 

The road collapsed during November last year (Image: Jenni Green)

A full investigation is being carried out into the complex collapse and how a new road surface can be constructed.

"We are sorry for the disruption and frustration caused by the road closure at The Street, Aldham," a statement from Suffolk Highways said. 

"Due to the severity of the collapse, a simple repair won't suffice and a full investigation, design and plan for construction needs to be undertaken to ensure the road can safely open to all highway users. 

The owners of the Elmsett village shop have been forced to sell up (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"The road is at risk of further deterioration; therefore, a closure will need to remain in place until the works are completed.

"It is hoped that the repairs can be progressed and completed during early summer following investigative and design works."

The authority is exploring a number of options for the repairs at present, including the possibility of environmental consent and working with nearby landowners.

A spokesman added: "Suffolk Highways continues to progress the repairs as a priority and will continue to look for opportunities to complete the works sooner."

Businesses in both Aldham and nearby Elmsett have been negatively affected by the closure. 

Sasha Lawrence, who runs the Elmsett village shop alongside her partner Julian Edwards, told this newspaper the closure had "totally destroyed" their business.

She said: "We are now down by 37%. We are now £10,000 in debt because our cash flow is gone. 

"We have to put our shop and house on the market because we can't survive. It's horrendous."