Emergency road closure after hole appears in busy Truro street
Investigations are being carried out on the 12 inch-deep hole
Last updated 8th Jun 2023
An emergency road closure and temporary diversion has been put in place so that investigations can be carried out after a hole appeared in the middle of one of Cornwall’s busiest streets. The hole, which appears to be around 12 inches deep, opened up overnight on Fairmantle Street in Truro.
A witness, who photographed the cavity, said: “Careful on Fairmantle Street, especially cyclists. This baby is at least 12 inches deep. It’s in the middle of the road near the junction with Lemon Street. Every car as they approach it literally rolls over it.”
Another local resident added: “Looks like a sink hole like the one in St Austell that just opened up. Please report it on the Cornwall Council site, this needs to be cordoned off.”
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “An emergency road closure and temporary diversion is being put in place so that investigations can take place. If anyone spots a pothole, please report them using the council’s digital defect reporting system which is simple and easy to use. You will receive an email confirmation of the report and updates at key stages of assessment and repair.”
Earlier this week concerns were raised when a hole appeared in a road in St Austell in an area renowned for mine shaft subsidence. Jordan Rowse, vice-chairman of Cornwall Council, described the situation as “worrying”.
The councillor, who represents the Bethel and Holmbush areas of St Austell, notified the council’s highways team last week that Bucklers Lane in the town was subsiding. The situation has worsened in the past few days since the road surface gave way and a hole appeared.
Cllr Rowse said: “This is a worrying situation, but one that is being monitored closely. It’s not the first time this has happened but when it does happen we need to ensure we act fast. I have been speaking to the team at highways on a regular basis and I have been assured this issue is in hand and a team will be out to sort it. In the meantime I would urge road users, walkers and cyclists to go careful when passing.”
The council verified on Tuesday that it has a works team scheduled to excavate the area next week to identify the cause of the subsidence on Bucklers Lane.
Potholes can be reported on the Cornwall Council website.