ENGINEERS will begin repairs on a sinkhole which appeared in a Bolton town centre street on Monday.

Officials from United Utilities said they believe the hole was caused by the collapse of a rainwater pipe, which runs water into the sewage system.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, May 31, left a large hole along the carriageway in Manchester Road close to the junction with Orlando Street.

Bolton Council have closed the road northbound at the junction and diverted traffic down the adjacent street, although the southbound part of the road remained open as usual.

In a statement, United Utilities said: “We believe the problem was caused by a collapsed rainwater drain which has left a hole about six metres deep.

“We will begin to asses the damage fully on Monday.”

However, a spokesman confirmed that the company was uncertain how long the repair work would take.

They said that much of the damage had been caused by water washing large sections of ground away.

The Bolton News:

The hole in Manchester Road.

A council spokesman said: “A hole appeared in the carriageway along a section of Manchester Road on May 31.

“United Utilities are on site investigating the cause which appears to be caused by a disused sewer pipe that has collapsed.

“Manchester Road is currently closed northbound at the junction of Orlando Street.

“Traffic heading into town is being diverted along Orlando Street and the southbound road is open as usual.”

In addition to the sinkhole, the incident left the surrounding road badly damaged, with cracks in the tarmac spreading from the collapse.

To find out more about repair work being completed by United Utilities, or to report an incident near you, call the company on: 0345 6723 723 or visit www.unitedutilities.com.