A Newmains councillor has called on the Coal Authority to finally fix a sinkhole that has been sitting in one street for months.
Robert McKendrick has been left frustrated as the sinkhole, which first appeared back in Muirhouse Avenue in July, still hasn’t been sorted.
The long-serving councillor is hoping the hazard is repaired as soon as possible.
Councillor McKendrick said: “I received phone calls all the way back in regarding a sinkhole which appeared at Muirhouse Avenue. I was quickly on site along with Coal Authority, Scottish Water, Scottish Power, Scottish Gas and staff from North Lanarkshire Council.
“The area was quickly made safe. The hole was fairly big and is right next to an area where four houses (block of four) were demolished in 1983 due to sinking problems.
“There was an old cast iron pipe showing at the hole and the Coal Authority put some type of chips under the pipe and a layer of soft material on top of the pipe.
“I have been on site on several occasions with Coal Authority since then. Two big machines were brought on site a few weeks ago, done their part and left after a couple of days.
“However, I am not happy with the time it is taking to complete the job and I would appreciate the Coal Authority finishing the job as soon as possible.”
Although the sinkhole is not on the road, Councillor McKendrick believes it is starting to become a safety concern and wants the issue dealt with immediately.
“The sinkhole is only four or five yards away from houses so it’s a safety hazard,” he said.
“People are starting to wonder what is going on and how long it is going to take.”
Mick Owens, principal project manager of the Coal Authority’s Public Safety and Subsidence team, said: “On 25 July, we received a report of a ground collapse on grassed land at Muirhouse Avenue. Our regional team responded quickly to fence the area and make it safe for the public. We are regularly visiting the site to ensure it remains safe.
“The incident was caused by historical coal mine workings and we are now carrying out thorough investigations, which will give our engineers the information they need to design a permanent solution. We are planning to undertake remedial work before the end of the year.
“To report a coal mine hazard, please call us on 01623 646 333, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
