A road has reopened after urgent action to tackle a sinkhole in a Ryedale town.
On Thursday evening Cllr Keane Duncan said a large sinkhole had opened up on Castlegate in Norton, and there was a strong smell of gas.
Firefighters went to the scene, alongside gas engineers. It came after Castlegate has been blocked by floodwater for several days.
Cllr Duncan, who is the transport lead on North Yorkshire Council as well as being councillor for Norton, said the situation is being actively investigated.
He issued this statement on Thursday evening: “I would like to appeal for calm and provide reassurance to the public during an emerging but potentially serious situation right now.
“Groundwater is flowing through/under the road at the Sheepfoot Hill/Castlegate junction.
“The road has dipped here significantly and a sinkhole has opened up. This is roughly the size of half of the carriageway.
“There is a strong smell of gas in this location right now and this is being investigated.
“I would also like to reassure the public that agencies are aware and a multi-agency response has been activated. Teams from Northern Gas, North Yorkshire Council and the Fire & Rescue Service have been deployed and are on scene.
“As a precautionary measure, it is likely that fire engines will be moved to Ryedale House to ensure they can continue to respond to any emergency calls.
“I know this will be a concerning time. Please avoid speculation and standby for official information. I will issue further updates as soon as I receive them.”
Later that evening he issued this update: “The reported sinkhole is a reinstatement trench completed by utility contractors that has failed. It is affecting just one half of the road.
“This will now be cordoned off, meaning the other half of the road will remain open for access to homes and businesses. The area will be reinspected by highway engineers in the daylight.
“Northern Gas Networks and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have investigated the smell of gas. This is not at a level for concern and they have concluded there is no risk to the public.”
BY 12.35am, the road had fully reopened.