A GIANT hole in a North-East residential street over disused mine workings is to be filled with stones.

The Coal Authority, which oversees former pit sites, has confirmed the 20ft or 6m hole in Craster Square in the Coxlodge area of Newcastle, is the result of a ‘ground collapse.’

It appeared earlier on Thursday (November 12) next to a row of garages and spans the width of the road.

As a result, a car was left stranded on a driveway with the hole in front of it.

John Delaney, Coal Authority spokesman, said: “Coal Authority engineers are on site to undertake investigation works to determine the cause of the collapse.

“The hole will be filled with stone in order to stabilise the ground. This will enable our investigation works to be undertaken.” 

The hole is thought to have revealed old mine workings in the area which used to have a number of pits.

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said it was working with Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to make the area safe.

A man who lives a few doors away said: "The police knocked on my door about 11.30am and he said 'Don't go out the back - there's a big sinkhole appeared'.

"I thought at first 'That's my garage gone' but it's a bit further along from me.
"It's the main pit shaft. It's all pit workings round here. It's really shocking to have it happen."