Unfixed Bolton pothole has been re-damaged by assessment

The sinkhole is between number 11 and number 13 Chassen Road, Bolton, has been in place since February 2025, and despite barriers being erected around the damage, it is still not fixed.

Now, a pipe has been re-damaged by United Utilities during an investigation into the source of a nearby leak, according to Bolton Council.

Chassen Road sinkhole (Image: Anonymous)

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Whilst recent investigations regarding leaks in the vicinity were carried out by United Utilities found no issues, their recent works resulted in damage to a council drainage pipe.

“Discussions are ongoing with United Utilities to rectify the issue.”

Residents have complained that the pothole and barriers have been making it difficult to get in and out of their drives, and are have been blowing into their gardens.

United Utilities workers visited the site last week to assess the problem and assess what they labelled a ‘complex issue’.

A nearby manhole was checked and found to be flowing as usual and the sewer water was clear with no signs of blockage.

At this point, the work was passed back over to the Bolton Council highways team.

An email was erroneously sent to one resident that stated the work would not be completed until November 12, 2026, though this should have read February 12, 2026.

Chassen Road sinkhole (Image: Anonymous)

Cllr Andy Morgan said: “The site is currently safe and secure but still awaits full repair.

“However, speaking to residents the excavation has made it difficult for some to enter and exit their driveways.

“I appreciate how disruptive this is and understand the frustration it is causing.

“I will be contacting the highways department to press for the site to be repaired and made fully safe as soon as possible.”

United Utilities have been contacted for comment.