Investigations under way as two sinkholes open up

Two sinkholes 40 miles apart have opened up in the West Midlands region within the last 24 hours, causing traffic disruption

Regent Street in Leamington Spa town centre has been closed eastbound from Augusta Place to Parade.

Temporary traffic management measures were also in place after a sinkhole was found on High Street in Brownhills, Walsall.

The local authorities for each area have been asked whether the incidents are thought to be heat-related.

Warwickshire Rural Crime Team said there had been "the sudden appearance of a rather large sinkhole on Regent Street in the middle of Leamington Spa".

It stated on Thursday evening that the road was "expected to remain closed for some time".

Businesses on Regent Street can still be accessed by foot.

In a statement, Warwickshire County Council said its highways team was on site to assess the area, and expected to know more on Friday.

Kash Chauhan, owner of Classique shoe repairs nearby, said: "At the moment, when I had a look at it, it's about two feet deep. But what caused it, we have no idea."

Chauhan says shop owners are worried about the impact of the closure on business.

"It is quiet, I hope it doesn't stay like this for long. Friday, there is plenty of people walking about normally, but because there are no cars being parked on this side, nobody is really coming here."

Walsall Council said it was aware of the sinkhole in Brownhills.

A spokesperson said on Thursday that the authority's highway maintenance contractor, Tarmac, was on site, and "our teams are also in attendance to investigate and identify the cause".

Temporary traffic management measures and diversions were in place, they added.

"We are liaising with relevant partners, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available."

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