Warning as sinkholes appear on busy Wigan path

The craters have got bigger on Standish’s Beech Walk in recent weeks, sparking concerns that someone could fall into them.

This has prompted Standish councillor, Debbie Parkinson, to intervene and contact Wigan Council and United Utilities.

The area has now been fenced off ahead of work being carried out to fill them.

Walkers and cyclists have been warned to be careful when approaching the area especially in the dark.

Coun Parkinson said that the sinkholes have been caused by a burst water main.

She said: “There are two or there sinkholes which have become bigger due to a burst water main.

“The area is a popular dog walking route that leads through to the old mineral line, and I’d had three complaints from dog walkers about the holes which are around 100 yards from St Marie’s Church.

“They were concerned that someone could fall especially when it’s dark. You’ve also got traffic using it as it’s an unadopted road, so it’s not ideal to have these sinkholes and is potentially dangerous.”

She added: “I contacted United Utilities and Wigan Council to ask for the work to be done to repair them.

“The holes have been fenced off and they’ve repaired the burst water main. We’re just waiting for the work to fill the holes to be done now, so hopefully it will be done soon.”

A spokesman for United Utilities said that work has been done to repair the main. They are now in the process of reinstating the road and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

They said: “Our engineers have completed repairs to a burst water main on Beech Walk in Wigan and are now in the process of reinstating the road. It was a complicated repair, due to a number of trees located very close to the burst, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ...