MEMBERS of the public have been reassured that a sinkhole which appeared in a town high street is safe.

The one-metre deep hole appeared on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland shortly after 3pm on Saturday, August 19.

The sinkhole, below a kerb and adjacent to the road, opened up outside pram shop Baby and Toddler Kingdom.

The road was cordoned off whilst structural engineers assessed the sinkhole. Police also attended the scene as well as water and electricity boards.

Durham Council Council has since issued a statement that reads: “Our teams have made several visits to the site since the small hole appeared and while the area remains cordoned off, it is safe.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and further excavation works may be required on Tuesday morning.

“The two-way traffic lights on Newgate Street will remain in place until further notice.”

Ebony Leach, owner of Baby & Toddler Kingdom, said she was quite shocked to find the hole outside her shop.

“It’s just a bit scary, especially as the same thing happened to Mothercare when it was on this street years ago,” she said.

“The officials are just down in the cellar now making sure everything is safe.

“Luckily all the prams on order are all safe.”