A “SIGNIFICANT” water main underneath a busy road that has been closed due to a landslip is causing concern amid fears that it could rupture due to the movement of the earth.

The A67 between Darlington and Barnard Castle was closed at Low Carlbury, between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge, last week after an earlier landslip worsened.

Darlington Borough Council closed the road and footpath, causing delays for commuters and cutting off a number of residents without vehicles in nearby villages. A council spokeswoman said the main cause for concern is the potential impact of movement of earth on significant Northumbrian Water (NWL) mains located underneath the road.

She said: “Should the water mains rupture, there is a risk that the road could suffer immediate and significant damage.

“NWL are in the process of reducing the water flow in one of the mains in a controlled manner. A geotechnical specialist has been appointed by the council to provide guidance and advice.

“Measures are being taken by NWL to reduce pressure in the water mains to allow investigations to take place.

“When this has happened we will be in a better position to investigate solutions - it is regrettable that given the nature of the site the road maybe closed for a significant period, possibly months if works have to be carried out to support the road or the mains.”

Council officers will be meeting with ward councillors, the parish council and local businesses to come up with a plan to alleviate the worst of the problems caused by the road closure after the Easter Bank Holiday.

The council is also working with health services and NWL to identify vulnerable adults or children in the area.