Sinkhole sees major route closed 'for safety'

A major commuter road has been closed to traffic after a sinkhole opened up in the road.

Part of Bury New Road in Prestwich, Bury, has collapsed, with a small hole opening above a cavity which has been estimated to be about 110ft (33m) in length.

The road takes traffic to the M60 and towards Manchester city centre.

A Bury Council representative said a "detailed investigation" of the road had revealed "a void across its full width".

They said the road was "fully closed earlier on Tuesday for safety".

"We are doing all we can to resolve this problem as soon as possible," they added.

They said diversion routes, including via Scholes Lane and Fairfax Road, were clearly signed and in place until further notice, adding that drivewrs should "allow more time to travel".

"If you must travel, allow extra time for your journey," they said.

Pub landlord Jonathan Higgin said the hole had caused problems for about a week.

Mr Higgin, landlord of the Railway Naturalist, said: "They did some repairs but two days later it reappeared and then it expanded massively.

"It's caused so much disruption and chaos for the locals."

A diversion remains in place with drivers advised to avoid junction 17 of the M60.

The council had called in United Utilities (UU) to investigate the hole.

The utilities firm's representative said its investigations including the use of a camera had shown the "sinkhole was not caused by UU assets".

They added that the investigation had been handed back to the council as a result.

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