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Sinking: A gaping chasm measuring 16ft wide in Somerset
The road workers were expecting to find a small dent in one of Somerset's roads but were instead faced with a real sinking feeling

Road workers got more than they bargained for when the pothole they were sent to inspect turned out to be a gaping chasm 11ft deep.

The giant sinkhole - which measured 16ft wide, was found by workers at Somerset County Council.

The huge pit was so deep it needed 200 tonnes of stone to fill it before draining and resurfacing works could take place.

Harvey Siggs, cabinet member for highways at Somerset County Council, said it was unclear what caused the massive hole.

He said: "Our roads have been hit hard following the severe weather over the last couple of years but our teams have worked exceptionally hard throughout.

"Somerset County Council repaired over 25,000 potholes during the last financial year which is nearly 70 every day - thankfully extreme incidents like this one are very rare.

"I'd like to praise the highways staff and contractors involved in this repair project."

The road, in Green Ore, Wells, was forced to close while work was carried out and reopened last week.

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Deep: The hole needed 200 tonnes of stone to fill