SINKHOLES could appear at the Cinderford Northern Quarter because of deep shafts that go under it, according to a veteran freeminer.

Albert James, 78, who worked at Northern United Colliery between 1953 and 1965, fears that houses built on the site will sink into the ground.

He said: “All that area has been undermined so whatever is built on that area will sink. There will be sinkholes there.

“They are supposed to be conducting some surveying of the old mine workings. But I don’t think there’s anyone that truly knows what’s under there.

“It will sink down over time and they want to build houses on there. Who would want to live there? You would get up one morning and find a gaping whole in the drive.”

However the Forest of Dean District Council has conducted extensive ground investigation works which have shown no major concerns about the site’s safety.

Councillor Graham Morgan, Chairman of the Cinderford Regeneration Board said: “Our plans to encourage high quality, mixed use development at the Northern Quarter including new homes, remains the same.

"Our focus at the moment is working with partners to get the spine road and college construction underway.

"Extensive ground investigation works to date have shown no major concerns about the site’s safety, and it’s important that we reassure people that this is the right site for the development.”

The Cinderford Northern Quarter regeneration project includes the creation of 1,200 jobs, a new college campus and a bypass.

For the full story buy The Forester.