Highways look into Victorian well find

A hole has appeared in the road opposite Sir Edmund Hilary School in Worksop, further investigation revealed it to be an old well. Pictured inspecting the hole are Coun Glynn Gilfoyle with Sir Edmund Hilary pupils Lewis Smith, 10 and Alys Hoyle, 10 (w130321-4b)

Sir Edmund Hillary Primary head Simon Tollervey was about to go into school early last Thursday when he saw the gaping hole across the road.

He alerted Coun Glynn Gilfoyle who immediately arranged for Highways to investigate the matter.

The area was sealed off and experts discovered there was an eight to 10 metre-wide Victorian well - in perfect condition.

Said Mr Tollervey: “I knew it wasn’t a pothole and could see that it was big enough for someone to get their foot stuck.”

“I shone a torch down it and couldn’t see anything so I called Coun Gilfoyle who was extremely efficient in getting Highways to come out.”

Mr Tollervey said the surprise find has been a big talking point among staff and children.

“It’s just a relic of a bygone age - it is beautifully built and in pristine condition,” he said.

“We took lots of photos of it and the children have been really interested in it - learning about Worksop’s agricultural past.”

He added: “It’s a real shame that it cannot be preserved but as it is on a main carriageway it needs to be removed for people’s safety.”

Coun Gilfoyle urged anyone with any information about the well to get in touch.

“There was obviously a safety issue here but it was really great to discover such an interesting piece of history.”

Ian Parker, from Notts County Council’sHighways team, said they carried out an immediate repair to make the hole safe as it was more than 10 feet deep.

“It is thought to be an old well and we will be installing a two-metre square cap over the opening as a permanent repair next week which will enable us to maintain access if required,” he said.