All residents of a street where a massive sinkhole appeared have been told they can return to their homes in time for Christmas.
People living in Nant Morlais, Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, feared they would lose their houses after a 60ft-deep sinkhole opened up earlier this month.
Around 30 homes on the Welsh estate had to be evacuated and the cul-de-sac closed after the hole in the road and pavement suddenly materialised.
Families had to be moved to hotels or were forced to stay with relatives, with many worried they would not be back before Christmas.
The cause of the sinkhole has not yet been confirmed, but a local councillor previously told the BBC it was believed a culvert – a structure that allows water to flow under roads – had collapsed, creating the giant hole.
But now, Merthyr Tydfil Council said the sinkhole has been filled in with stone following extensive temporary repair work.
A statement read on Wednesday: “We are pleased to confirm that the void at Nant Morlais has now been filled, utilities have been restored and the remaining residents are being allowed home today.
“We are now working with contractors for a permanent solution and will share more information on this in the new year.”
Local resident Stephen Regan, 55, previously told the BBC: “It was very scary, you could hear it rumbling and collapsing when it was happening.
“I just want to get back in the house but we don’t know what the situation is at the moment. My fear is my house could go… I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”
He estimated the hole was up to 60ft deep, adding: “The culvert has collapsed and water has just washed it all away. It’s an older generation on this street so they are scared.”
