That sinking feeling . . . garden falls into mine shaft

Dec 24 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Susan Gilbert

The Gilberts have lived at the three-bedroom house for nine years, but the mine shaft was not mentioned on the survey before they bought it.

They have since found out that a similar thing happened 40 years ago.

Neighbours have so far managed to escape without any problems.

But the couple say that neighbours who have moved into adjoining properties since were told of the mine shaft in their own surveys.

The Quarry Pit mine was last worked on in the mid to late 1830s.

The Edwardian cottages were built on the outskirts of the mine, above the opening of the shaft.

Further work will start on January 5 and the couple expect it will take two to three months.