Last night the Council's Highways Department closed a section of Wigorn Road near the ABC nursery for safety reasons after a large hole appeared in the road.

It was found to be the result of a fractured water main and highways engineers alerted South Staffs Water, who were on site with mechanical diggers within two hours. It is hoped the work can be completed today and the road re-opened, depending on the complexity of the work. Sandwell Highway engineers will remain on site until completion.

Meanwhile diversions are signposted, and buses are being re-routed along Upper St Mary's Road and Barclay Road.