Huge hole opens in road
People were left shocked after a gaping hole opened up in a Telford footpath. The hole, believed by the police to be an old mine shaft, is in Captain Webb Drive, Dawley.
The area is cordoned off and under 24-hour supervision today.
The hole opened up on Tuesday and has been getting bigger ever since.
Initially, it measured about one metre across, but is now nearer three metres.
Traci Hayhurst, who lives in nearby Chiltern Gardens, says her house is right next to the hole and she has watched it grow.
"It was a real concern, because we do not know where the other mineshafts may be," she said.
"They are obviously very big mine shafts and there could well be more. It is just a massive, gaping hole.
"It was lucky there were no children running around near the spot at the time; it doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened."
Miss Hayhurst said the authorities had dealt with the incident very well and given reassurances to people living in the area.
Constable Pete Simmonds, of Telford police, said: "Police had reports a big hole had appeared in Captain Webb Drive. It is very deep and very dangerous. We believe it could be an old mineshaft."
Dave Morgan, for Telford & Wrekin Council, added: "Council officers were called out to a shaft collapse at Captain Webb Drive.
"We have informed the Coal Authority, which is responsible for the site and its staff are at present treating the site." The Coal Authority was today unavailable for comment.
Captain Webb Drive is closed to traffic, but remains open to pedestrians.
