A COUNCILLOR has called for 'immediate' action to repair a hole of around 'eight inches' in diameter on a Howley road.

Cllr Kevin Bennett (TUSC – Fairfield and Howley) brought the hole, which is close to the entrance of Mote Hill Court, and caused by a collapsed sewer pipe, to the council's attention this morning after a complaint from a resident in the area.

Fears have been raised over the potential consequences, with Cllr Bennett labelling it as an 'accident waiting to happen'.

He added: "I was shocked when I looked into the hole as it was much larger underneath than the hole entrance.

"The hole on the surface is approximately eight inches in diameter but inside it is much larger and quite deep – it reminds me of a 'sink hole'.

"I urged the council to investigate it, as if anyone steps into it then it could cause serious injury – imagine if it's an elderly person or child.

"If a car drives over it and the road surface collapses it could get stuck there.

"And what if this leads to a more serious problem, especially to those with houses so close."

The council has confirmed an inspector visited the site, which is close to Church Street, but as the issue concerns piping, it will be repaired by United Utilities.

"We swiftly investigated the cause of the hole and concluded it is a collapsed sewer pipe," said a council spokesman.

"We immediately contacted United Utilities, which is responsible for the piping, so they can investigate and undertake the necessary repairs."