'Complex' sinkhole repairs continue months on
BBCA section of a street which was damaged when a sinkhole appeared remains cordoned off nearly four months later amid "complex" repairs.
Part of Broughton Road in South Shields collapsed in late January, damaging several vehicles and leaving residents shocked.
Councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for neighbourhoods and climate change at South Tyneside Council, said repair work was "very complex" and required "full and thorough" analysis of underground conditions.
He added the local authority was committed to reopening the road as soon as possible, although no dates have been confirmed yet.
"Contractors and machinery remain on site at this time," Gibson said.
The sinkhole was noticed at about 05:30 GMT on 27 January when car alarms in the affected street went off. No-one was reported to be injured.
South Tyneside Council leader, Labour's Tracey Dixon, previously said she had "no idea" what caused the road to collapse.
Gibson thanked residents for their patience and understanding as the council continued work towards a permanent repair.
"Restoring the road and footpath involves deep excavations and assessments, before rebuilding the layers and backfilling the hole," he added.
"It is being planned and designed to take into account workers' safety, the structural integrity of surrounding buildings and foundations and the impact on the underground sewer and utilities."