Santa visits sinkhole families
Families affected by the sinkhole in St Albans were given a festive treat – an early visit by Santa Claus.
Father Christmas called in at Fontmell Close and Bridle Close to hand out a sack full of gifts to children and spread some good cheer.
Among those captivated by Santa were Violet Standen, three, and her nine-month-old baby sister Penelope.
Mum Karen said: “This has been a lovely surprise for the girls. They were visiting their grandparents when they heard Santa ringing his bell outside.
“People’s lives have been slowly getting back to normal around here and this visit has given the area another boost.”
Councillor Geoff Harrison, of St Albans City and District Council, used his high-level contacts to organise Santa’s visit on Wednesday 23 December.
The gifts were donated by the Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium and the Christmas Market.
Cllr Harrison said: “The people living near the sinkhole have had to put up with a lot of disruption and inconvenience for many weeks now.
“I thought it would be a good idea for Santa to pop in and spread some merriment on the run up to Christmas. I am pleased to say that his visit went down extremely well.
“All the children were very happy to see him as were many of the adults, too. I hope it will help the residents have a very happy Christmas this year despite all the problems they have endured.”
The 33-feet deep sinkhole emerged in Fontmell Close in the early morning of Thursday 1 October. Families in 53 homes were left without power, water or sanitation services.
The hole has since been filled, but ground survey work is continuing to assess if there are any further risks.
Picture 1:Jingle bells! Santa meets Karen Standen and her daughters Violet, three, and Penelope, nine months.
Picture 2: Yo ho ho! Santa with Harry Langford, eight, and Oliver, four, and Amelie Scourfield, three.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Geoff Harrison, St Albans City and District Council. Email: cllr.g.harrison@stalbans.gov.uk Tel: 01727-76454
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council Tel: 01727 296130
E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk