Experts issue warning of more sinkholes opening in Eston

The British Geological Survey has emphasised the importance of understanding why the sinkhole has formed.

They did praise the “responsible” efforts of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to fence off the area and bring experts in to investigate.

A spokesperson suggested that the sinkhole may have been caused by gypsum workings in the area.

They said: “We encourage engineers to think about why the sinkhole has formed and what the impact of their actions might be.

“For example, if a sinkhole that has formed where meteoric water is entering the subsurface is filled with impermeable material, it is likely that a new sinkhole will form adjacent to the filled feature unless the gradient of the ground precludes this.

“Similarly, in the subsurface, blocking a natural conduit will likely lead to the formation of another related feature.”

Looking at maps of Eston Recreation Ground from 1895 and 1931 they have found evidence of an ‘old shaft’ on the land. 

The BGS made clear that they were not confident on their theory due to the age of the records they were using.

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The spokesperson added: “There is a record of historic gypsum working, which is shown to be in the grounds of the Leisure Centre, but there is a relatively low confidence in the position, because of the age of the record.

“A historic map from 1895 shows an ‘Old Shaft’ at this location. It is also on the map from 1931. There is a borehole of a similar age that shows gypsum in the subsurface.

“It looks as if a responsible approach has been taken to fencing the feature off to protect the public.”

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