A SINKING manhole in Darlington town centre is expected to take a month to repair, a phone company has said.

Telecommuniations firm BT started work to demolish and rebuild the sinking manhole in Priestgate, near its junction with Crown Street, this week.

The work is essential for safety purposes.

The one lane in the street, opposite The Northern Echo offices, has been excavated, exposing a two-metre by two-metre hole, with the work fenced off with two-metre high barriers.

Depending on whether engineering difficulties are encountered, BT expect work to be completed by August 5.

A spokeswoman stressed there was no danger to the general public as the site has been surrounded by barriers to prevent general access the works. The barriers will remain in place until the work has been completed.

She said: "We apologise to the local community for any inconvenience caused while essential safety work to demolish and rebuild a manhole takes place. Work will be completed as quickly as possible."

Vehicles, including buses, are still able to access Priestgate, although part of one lane of the highway is closed while work is being carried out.