Sinkhole investigation continues, council says

Investigation work is continuing into the cause of sinkhole.

A portion of Broughton Road in South Shields collapsed on Monday, damaging several vehicles and disrupting water and electricity supplies.

Power and water has since been restored and the road has reopened to pedestrians, South Tyneside Council said.

Ernest Gibson, lead member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said the sinkhole would continue to be monitored and once the investigation had been completed, arrangements would be made for repairs.

Workers were on site to investigate the cause of the collapse, the authority said.

The sinkhole was noticed at about 05:30 GMT on Monday when car alarms in the affected street went off. No-one was reported to be injured.

Andrea Evans, whose father-in-law lives next to the sinkhole, said he was fortunately away from the property at the time.

She said the situation was "scary".

"It was a bit of a shock to say the least," Mrs Evans told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We just need to find out what caused it."

She said her father-in-law was not able to stay there on Monday night as he could not "physically" get inside.

Ms Evans said she hoped it would be a quick fix, but it did not look like it would be.

"It's one of those," she said.

South Tyneside Council leader, Labour's Tracey Dixon, previously said she had "no idea" what caused the road to collapse.

Part of Broughton Road, between Belgrave Terrace to Mariners Cottages, remains closed to vehicles - but access is available for people who live in Salisbury Place.

The collapsed footpath and affected road section is still cordoned off.

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