AN UNDERGROUND hole believed to be the cause of a collapse in a busy stretch of road in Kilbowie could be up to 22 metres deep, council officers have warned.

West Dunbartonshire Council called in The Coal Authority after specialist engineers drafted in to investigate the issue in Kilbowie Road uncovered the cavity buried six metres underground, reports Clydebank Post.

Representatives from the national organisation are currently assessing the site between Kilbowie and Hardgate roundabouts to confirm the root of the problem.

While there are historic mines in the area, there are no records of a structure at this site, despite initial reports from the council stating the sinkhole was caused by an old mine shaft.

The council held an emergency multi-agency meeting last week to update partners including the NHS, Police and Fire of the disruption and scale of the issue.

As the investigation continues, the southbound lanes of Kilbowie Road will remain closed and diversions will be in place for drivers.

Ronald Dinnie, the council’s strategic lead for environment and neighbourhood, said: “We responded as soon as this issue was reported on Sunday and when the scale became apparent, we immediately called in experts to identify the problem.

"Initially it was understood that a collapsed gully was the cause but it is now apparent that the situation is much more serious than originally thought as the cavity extends to at least 16 metres underground.

“The Coal Authority is on site and we won’t have a clear idea of what happens next until their investigation is completed and the structure is identified. At this stage it is not known how long that assessment will take."

He added: "In the meantime the southbound carriageway will remain closed and we have installed signage in the area to notify residents of the diversion routes.

"We will continue to provide updates to the community through the council’s social media channels and website and want to thank residents and road users for their patience.”

Michael Owens, principal project manager for The Coal Authority, said: “On Tuesday, January 10, we received a report of a highway collapse in Kilbowie Road.

"This has caused a hole approximately 16 metres deep and four metres in diameter and has resulted in the council closing the southbound section of the pavement and road between Kilbowie and Hardgate roundabouts.

"Further specialist investigations will take place early next week, which will enable all parties to agree a proposed solution and the necessary remedial works required."

The council cordoned off a section of the road last week after a small hole, initially thought to be the result of a collapsed drain, appeared in the surface of near to Clydebank Fire station.

Specialist engineers were called in and the southbound section of the road and footway between the two roundabouts was closed for the safety of residents and road users.