THE latest stage of work to solve the problem of chalk mines in one area of Hatfield has started, thanks to nearly �2million of Government cash.

But the news is not so good for residents in one WGC road living with the same blight, with no such funding available.

As reported in the Welwyn Hatfield Times in December, the Homes and Communities Agency has given �1,949,158 to cover the cost of investigations into the mines underneath Chantry Lane, and remedial work to fix the problem.

Welwyn Hatfield Council’s cabinet welcomed the funding at a meeting last Tuesday, and heard how ground investigation work was now under way, which included ecological and topographical surveys and searches.

Officers warned councillors if the total bill came to more than �1.9m the council would have to fund the rest of the work.

But they added while it was impossible to determine the precise nature of conditions underground at this time, it was currently deemed “unlikely” that costs would exceed the HCA funding.

Bob Jewell, director of finance and operations, said: “The receipt of funding to resolve the chalk mines issue in the Chantry Lane area of Hatfield is a welcome relief for those living in the area.

“It means that, at last, we can remove the blight from the properties involved and can allow people to move forward.

“Affected residents in the area have been kept informed throughout the investigation process and this will continue as further ground surveys and works are carried out.”

It is expected that all works will be complete by April 2014.

Funding to investigate the extent of chalk mines in Daniells, WGC, is not currently forthcoming, though.

A council spokeswoman told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “Welwyn Hatfield Council has made an approach to the HCA to determine the possibility of funds.

“At this stage, the indications are there is no money available. The council has not, therefore, progressed the process to a formal application for funds with its attendant costs.”

But, the spokeswoman added, while things were currently “up in the air”, the situation with regard to funding being available in the future could change.

“As the project in Chantry Lane develops further, discussions will be had with the HCA,” she added.