New fencing after sinkhole barriers removed

"More permanent" fencing will be installed around a large sinkhole after pedestrian barriers were removed.

The hole, on Eston Recreation Ground, near Middlesbrough, was spotted at the end of December and the area was fenced off.

But Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said efforts to secure the site had been hampered by anti-social behaviour.

"Therefore, a more permanent robust perimeter fence is to be installed to form a compound area," the local authority said.

It will include an additional area around the sinkhole in case of any further collapses.

"Regular inspections of this compound will ensure it is maintained and restricts the public gaining access," the council added.

An investigation into the cause continues and people are asked to avoid the area and keep their dogs on a lead.

"A full survey of the area will be carried out, but we believe the sinkhole has formed at the same location as a borehole from the old mining works," the council said.

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