Two craters about 2ft deep appeared in Mellor Crescent after the road surface crumbled.

"I am not surprised it collapsed," said one resident of the street. "There has always been a dip in the road but over the past few months it has got worse so I guess it was just a matter of time."

It is believed that binmen had driven their heavy lorry down the road just moments before it collapsed.

"I had not noticed any holes in the road before this happened," said resident Elsie Moore.

"But it is a worrying thought that our road can just collapse without warning."

Officers from Cheshire County Council's environmental department arrived on the scene after being alerted by a resident.

They coned off the area overnight and were due to inspect the sewers with a camera today (Wednesday).

"We expect it has something to do with the sewers and don't want to fill the holes in without assessing the damage underneath," said a spokesman at the scene.

"That could lead to a complete blockage of sewage pipes."

He said the craters would be repaired as soon as possible.

Access to two houses was affected by the partial road closure, but for most residents there was no inconvenience.