'Hole party' thrown on road

The road has been closed for a year

A street party has been held to call for repair work to begin on a Black Country road closed since some limestone mine workings collapsed.

It is a year since Bosty Lane near Walsall was shut on safety grounds after a large hole appeared in the road.

The hole is above an old mine that was abandoned 150 years ago.

Residents are hoping Sunday's party will encourage Walsall Council to speed up repair work.

'Proper job'

The authority said they could have carried out temporary repairs already, but that they have been waiting for a £1.5m government grant.

Councillor Gary Clark said: "We're doing the job, once and for all, properly and correctly so there is no risk to safety.

"We could have spent £200,000 and found that it was still dangerous."

Work to fill the hole with concrete is due to start in August and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.