A FAMILY is at “risk of losing their lives” with what they believe to be a sinkhole in their front garden left unrepaired for more than a year.

The hole, which first appeared in a front garden of a block of flats on Helmores in Laindon in October last year, has been untouched by Basildon Council.

The family, who live on the ground floor, have been left fearing for their lives, with the hole growing and the communal garden sloping inwards.

Morgan Sindall, Basildon Council’s contractor, was due to carry out repair works from October 15 to 18, but engineers never appeared.

Now, just hours after the Echo contacted the council, contractors arrived at the flat.

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The mum-of-two, 30, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We first noticed what looked like a bit of land had been dug up next to the wall. It was around 30cm of upturned soil.

“Next door asked about it and said it looked strange.

“Their patio started to collapse. That was the first time they had it repaired. We then knew it wasn’t right.

“Our neighbours have had their patio rebuilt three times to stop it from sinking.”

In September, she and her partner jetted off for their wedding and honeymoon.

On their return, they were left shocked at what the saw.

She added: “We were shocked to see scaffolding on top of the sink holes.

“Apparently some of the roof tiles in the attached houses had needed repairing.

“We couldn’t understand why they had agreed to put the scaffolding in our front garden when our roof wasn’t being done and there was a known sink hole.

“They had their workers standing on scaffolding on top of a sink hole that was showing signs of collapsing “Our path is sinking.

“Our entire garden is sloping inward.

“We are constantly overwhelmed with stress and anxiety from the issue.

“When the kids are playing out the front I’m always anxious if their ball rolls over and they run into the garden.

“Our lives are in danger.”

Workers have now promised the family a temporary cover will be put over the hole before it is filled it.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “Our officers and contractors visited the property today and met with the tenant. After investigating the issue it was evident that the sloping of the garden is not being caused by a sink hole but soil erosion which is common on end terrace properties.

“It can be caused by a number of issues such as burrowing animals, broken pipes or drains but will not affect the structure of the property. An emergency order has been raised to secure the small hole and surrounding area and for a local drain survey to be carried out.”