A sinkhole that opened in December after an underground pipe collapsed has become a tourist place (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)
A massive sinkhole in West Yorkshire has become an unexpected destination for tourists, and it’s even garnered tongue-in-cheek reviews on Google from fed up locals poking fun at the inconvenience.
One reviewer joked: “Superb hole. How many it would take to fill the Albert Hall I’m not sure about. But judging from the size of it, it wouldn’t take many.”
Another reviewer wrote: “Make sure you visit this attraction before the council fill it in. The kids were agog at the sight, the missus was crying with joy.”
The giant crater, which opened up on the A646 Halifax Road, between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, has been closed since December 13 due to an underground pipe collapse.
Calderdale Council initially planned to reopen the road by Christmas Eve 2024, but due to delays, they revised their goal to allow for one lane to be open with two-way traffic lights by January 13.
Unfortunately, the recent cold weather has pushed this back, and the road will remain closed until at least January 27.
Locals are making light of the disruption, writing humorous reviews, saying, “Well worth a day trip out – and best of all it’s free! ” and “This is the best Hole this side of Hebden bridge!”
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A sinkhole along Halifax Road, Hedben Bridge (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)
One review read: “Cancelled my trip to Giza.”
One reviewer quipped: “Rumour has it it can be seen from space! Amazing hole! Good job hole!”
The sewer straddling the road belongs to Yorkshire Water, while Calderdale Council is tasked with culvert upkeep. Both bodies have been approached for remarks.
Another read: “This is the best Hole this side of Hebden bridge!
“I mean I’ve been to Tod side and the view is nothing compared to Hebden. Five stars! Fantastic, needs a Costa or other chain coffee shop.”
In the latest twist of internet humour turning the mundane into must-sees, this gaping void joins a list of unlikely viral sensations. Just last November, a deserted motor left in a ditch since a September crash was humorously hailed as an art piece.
This has turned up on Google Maps as an unlikely tourist attraction and five star reviews. (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)
Additionally, a tree sawn in two during a fierce property line dispute by a disgruntled retiring pair earned its landmark status, drawing spectators from wide and far. Sheffield locals, hailing from South Yorks., report that gawkers keep flocking to their serene dead-end street where homes fetch around £220,000, all to glimpse the infamous halved tree.
One reviewer – who left a three star rating – wrote: “Not worth driving a long distance, but if you were nearby, it’s worth paying a visit.”