Sinkhole forces evacuation of seven homes in Darwen after heavy rain
Council says safety is priority as road collapses at Green Field estate; residents cite mining-era concerns
Seven homes have been evacuated after a sinkhole opened on a new housing estate in Green Field, near Pole Lane, Darwen, following heavy rainfall in Lancashire, authorities said. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said a road surface collapsed and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. The council said the site developer has been informed and utility companies are attending; road closures are in place and residents have been advised to avoid the area. There were no reports of injuries.
The incident has drawn attention to development on what some residents describe as a former mining area. A post from a neighbour on social media read: 'A sinkhole, where there are old mineshafts, who would have guessed it!' Another added: 'I remember our old neighbour saying this would happen before the houses were even built.'
Emergency crews and investigators are assessing the ground for further voids as the estate remains cordoned off. The developer has been informed and utility companies are on site to check for damage to services.
Authorities said the priority is safety as investigations assess the extent of ground movement and potential underground voids. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said it will provide updates as investigations progress and residents should expect ongoing closures.
The episode underscores the importance of ground-stability checks in areas with legacy mining features, officials noted, and there is no immediate timetable to reopen roads or resume normal traffic in the affected zone.
