New Mills sinkhole woes to continue into September

New Mills and Hayfield residents are being driven round the bend by traffic because of a sinkhole that opened up last week.

An original estimated repair date of August 9 has been pushed back to September, with vehicles heading east being diverted along High Hill Road and Sycamore Road. 

However, Birch Vale and Thornsett have become snarled with traffic, due in part to large vehicles trying to negotiate the narrow roads. 

In response, Derbyshire County Council says that these routes will now be closed to all but access traffic for residents and businesses. 

"Once the change is in place and uploaded, they will both show as closed on Sat Navs,” said Anne Clarke, Labour County Councillor for New Mills and Hayfield. 

“Whilst there is still going to be traffic, due to significant residential areas and industry that require access, if the diversion is properly respected it should remove some congestion from the non-local through traffic being sent that way. 

“DCC officers are in daily contact with United Utilities, and I have asked to be regularly updated.” 

Stagecoach’s 358 bus from Stockport to Hayfield has also been affected and is terminating at New Mills. 

The High Peak number 60 from Hayfield to Macclesfield and their 61 service from Glossop to Buxton will continue to run via the diversions.