That sinking feeling . . . garden falls into mine shaft

Dec 24 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Susan Gilbert

A HUDDERSFIELD couple were stunned when their back garden opened up to reveal a 150ft-deep mine shaft dating back to 1836.

Mark and Susan Gilbert watched in horror as their Bradley garden caved in before their eyes.

Investigations by mining officials have revealed that the garden in Westwood Street is over the opening of the Quarry Pit shaft.

In a bid to fill in the shaft 36 tonnes of stone have so far been put into the hole, which has levelled it out.

But the couple are monitoring it on a daily basis in case it sinks further while they wait for further work to be done.

Mr Gilbert, 54, a delivery driver for the Royal Mail, and his wife live at their house with their four Jack Russell dogs.