Express & Star

Popular Wolverhampton playground closed over suspected mineshaft

A popular playground area in a Wolverhampton park has been closed for emergency repair work after a suspected mineshaft was found.

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The playground was closed off after a mineshaft was found

Work is now being carried out to make the area in the north of Ashmore Park, in Wednesfield, safe after the Coal Authority contacted Wolverhampton Council to make them aware of the matter.

It is estimated that the repairs, which cover the playground and part of the adjacent car park, will take around two weeks.

Councillor Phil Bateman said: “I was contacted by the council with regard to the work being carried out by the Coal Authority, so I want to make people aware of what is going on.

“The work will involve occupying an area of the car park and the playground with an anticipated duration of two weeks, although this could be longer depending on the shaft infill conditions.

“At the moment the full works area is fully fenced off, which also includes the skate park, and this will all be fully reinstated upon completion of the works.

“Parking provisions on the car park will be restricted while the work is carried out, but we have stated that access for a minimum of five parking spaces needs to be maintained for the public, although I understand that the marked disabled parking bays will not be available during this time.

“However, I believe additional parking is still available in the car park to the south end of the park on Griffiths Drive,” he added.

A Wolverhampton Council spokesman added: “The city council apologises for the short notice of these works being carried out, which is under the management and financing of the Coal Authority under their statutory duties, with the provision of an access licence from the council.

“It is important that the area is made safe as soon as possible and then fully restored back to how it was before."

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