Kearsley: Work continues at ball park after sinkhole appears

The Bolton News previously reported about a sinkhole opening up on the Brook Street Ball Park in late March.

Cllr Tracey Wilkinson and residents in the area said they had reported the sinkhole to Bolton Council on March 22 and 23.

And since reporting the sinkhole, Bolton Council teams have been investigating the cause, with Cllr Wilkinson saying they believe it was caused by ‘underground erosion by the River Irwell’.

Bolton Council teams have also been on-site at the sinkhole to conduct a ground penetrating radar scan to check all the areas within the cage and on the outside to see if there are any further voids.

Work is being done on the sinkhole (Image: June Clarke)Cllr Wilkinson also attended the sinkhole on Thursday, April 11 for an update from the team.

She said: “I visited the sinkhole site on Brook Street ball park where I met with site manager Pat.

“Whilst I was there a team was conducting a ground penetrating radar scan to check all areas within the cage and around the outside areas to check for any voids.

“Results will take a few days.

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“In the meantime, work is being done on the original sinkhole site which they believe was caused by underground erosion by the River Irwell.

“Work will take place where they will cap the ground with large boulders which can't be ebbed away by the river followed by a layer of concrete.

“This is a big task but hopefully will be completed in the next few weeks.

“Thank you for your patience whilst this work is being done.”

The sinkhole when it first happened (Image: June Clarke)Cllr Wilkinson said teams said works are likely to be completed within two to three weeks.

She said: “Pat said it will be 2-3 weeks until the ball park re-opens unless voids are detected from the scan then further work will need to take place.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.