‘Thorough investigations’ after ground collapse in Chesterfield

In an email to members on Monday afternoon, Chesterfield Golf Club said ‘what appears to be a former mine shaft has collapsed in undergrowth to the left of the second hole’.

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Mick Owens, principal project manager of the Coal Authority’s public safety and subsidence team, said: “On December 7, we received a report of a ground collapse at Chesterfield golf course and our regional team responded quickly to fence the area and make it safe for the public.

“We are carrying out thorough investigations to determine the cause and, if this was due to historical coal mine workings, we will design a permanent solution and carry out repair works as soon as we can.

“To report a coal mine hazard, please call us on 01623 646 333, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

The Coal Authority, which is headquartered in Mansfield, works to manage the effects of past coal mining.

The email from Chesterfield Golf Club said that the hole measures around 12ft x 12ft at the surface and its depth extends beyond sight even with the use of a torch.

“It is in deep undergrowth towards Matlock Road and is out of play to even the most errant of golf shots. It poses no danger to you playing golf. However, we are aware that some people do use the area for dog walking,” the email adds.

“This is extremely dangerous and nobody must access the area.”

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