Concerns have been raised after a hole opened up in a Newport street near to where a sinkhole closed a road for over three weeks last year. Residents on Jenkins Street in Lliswerry have raised concerns after a small hole appeared in the road on Sunday, May 8. Part of the road, across from St Andrews Primary School, has been cordoned off by council workers who are investigating the issue.
Jenkins Street, which is busy at certain times of the day due to its proximity to the school, remains open to traffic and pedestrians, but cars going down the road are advised that the width of the road is reduced due to the cordoned off area.
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Local resident Christine Ormond said she was in the area on Sunday evening when she noticed the hole in the road. "I found it last night going home and I called Allan Morris our councillor. It’s in Jenkins street which is off Cromwell Road."
Last September Cromwell Road was shut for over three weeks after a gaping hole appeared in the middle of the road. On that occasion, the road was entirely shut and residents complained about "nightmare" issues with parking and motorists moving barriers and using the road.
The hole was later confirmed as being from a damaged culvert carrying a historic waterway running under the road, which was leaking water and had to be repaired. Ms Ormonds said there would be disruption in the area given the nearby school. She said: "There will be nowhere to park, so parents will be dropping off on the main Corporation Road.
Independent Cllr Allan Morris said he had been down to see the hole and that his indication was that it was a "serious issue." He said, "My first impression is that it is going to be as big as Cromwell Road."
"There's a depression around the hole. Workers have been down and there are initial investigations going on to determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be done. The road is partially closed. What I would say is that it does look like a serious issue. But that's all I can say at the moment."
Newport City Council has been contacted for comment.
