Sinkhole investigated by mining authority

People were advised to avoid the area where road closures remain in place

A sinkhole which opened up on a new housing estate following heavy rain in Lancashire this weekend is being investigated by the Mining Remediation Authority.

Seven homes were evacuated after the road surface collapsed at a new housing estate in Greenfield, near Pole Lane, in Darwen.

Concerns had previously been raised about the development being built in a former mining area.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Sunday, with Blackburn with Darwen Council initially declaring a major incident, which was later stood down. The authority has said it is "continuing to work with partners and specialists at the site".

Brent Stafford lives next door to the evacuated houses

Brent Stafford, who lives next door to one of the evacuated houses, said his neighbours were told, "you just need to get out of your house".

The 62-year-old said he doesn't know if he should also prepare to evacuate.

"We've got our stuff together just in case," he said. "We've packed bags and our dog's stuff, and we've got ourselves ready.

"I'm extremely worried, but my wife's pretty calm.

"It's a big hole - and it's certainly got bigger overnight."

The council has reiterated its priority was "the safety of all residents in the area, and six homes remain evacuated".

It added it was supporting those families whose homes were affected.

It follows criticism on social media questioning why planning permission for the development on mining land had been granted.

The council responded by stating "all planning applications are subject to rigorous assessment, including statutory consultation with key agencies".

"Planning permission is only ever granted if the application meets all requirements."

The Mining Remediation Authority manages the effects of past coal mining, including subsidence damage.

Seven homes were initially evacuated on the newbuild estate in Green Field

Over the weekend, some locals took to social media, reflecting on the concerns which had been previously raised about building in a former mining area.

One posted on Facebook: "A sinkhole, where there are old mineshafts, who would have guessed it!"

Another person wrote: "I remember our old neighbour saying this would happen before the houses were even built."