The damage proved to be sufficiently extensive to justify a temporary repair and letting a contract for permanent replacement of a long section.

On excavation, an area of cracked pipe was found but, due to heavy rainfall and imminent spring tides, the damaged section was set into rapid-hardening concrete and the hole refilled.

The hole and subsequent repair work forced a total road closure of the main arterial route between Richmond and Kingston upon Thames.

Bus services 65 and 71 were forced to terminate either side of the hole and passengers and crew walk around the site to continue their journeys.

[2] Residents in the immediate area naturally complained at the disruption caused by the repairs and local traders noted a significant loss of trade.

A local newspaper correspondent reported a sighting, whilst on holiday in Spain, of somebody wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan "I've seen the Petersham Hole!".

[9] The Petersham Hole has been cited subsequently in the House of Commons and elsewhere as evidence of the damage caused to roads by heavy lorries.