Further investigation needed at park sinkhole

Permanent fencing has been erected around the sink hole

A more thorough investigation will take place at a sinkhole which opened up in a park last year.

The hole on Eston recreation ground is estimated to be 12ft (3.6m) deep and it has been linked to historic mining works in the area.

Redcar and Cleveland Council installed permanent security fencing around it after temporary barriers were carried away.

A council spokesperson said a ground investigation will be carried out to "determine what repairs are needed".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service recently reported that £150,000 has been allocated by the local authority towards the costs to fix it.

The council said specialist consultants had carried out a preliminary investigation and confirmed the sinkhole was linked to historic mining works.

A spokeswoman said: "They are now preparing for a ground investigation to determine what repairs are needed.

"We expect this to be completed in the coming weeks, after which a contractor will be appointed to carry out the investigation and fix it."

Sinkholes are a naturally occurring or human activity-related depression in the ground caused by the dissolution of underlying rock or removal of supporting material.