HOMEOWNERS in a former pit village are fearing for their properties after large holes appeared in the ground behind their houses.

The holes, the biggest of which is six metres long, two metres wide and 50cm deep, were discovered in the green space behind Garden View, in Butterknowle, County Durham, after the recent wet weather.

There is also slight evidence that a third one may be appearing.

The affected areas have been fenced off by the Coal Authority until investigations can take place, but residents living in Garden View are concerned at the holes’ proximity to their houses. The nearest is only ten metres away from the damage.

John Battye, of Garden View, said the deeds to his house stated the property was not situated on top of old mine workings but expressed his alarm at how close the holes were to the street.

He said: “They just appeared overnight after we had that week of torrential heavy rain recently.

“The fact that they are opening up so close to the houses makes you worry.

“Should a hole appear in someone’s garden or someone’s house it would make the matter a whole lot worse.

“We need the Coal Authority to investigate quickly and try to get to the root of the problem before there is any more subsidence.”

John Delaney, from the Coal Authority, said: “The first thing we do is fence the area off for public safety.

“We need to ascertain whether the problem is coal mining related. We are currently waiting for a drilling company to become available to us.

“Depending on the outcome, we will either repair the area and put it back to how it was before the damage occurred, or we will pass it over to whoever owns the land.”

Anyone who is concerned about being affected by coal mining problems can call the authority on 01623-646333. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.