When does a pothole become a sinkhole?
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This hole on a busy suburban street in Rivett is not exactly swallowing cars, but it is concerning residents who have watched it grow in depth and width while waiting for it to be fixed. And the 35 centimetre by 35 centimetre hole is a serious obstacle for an unsuspecting cyclist or motorist.
Or make that was. After The Canberra Times made some calls to Territory and Municipal Services yesterday, the hole was fixed by late afternoon.
John and Renate Williams live across the road from the once-growing hole in Angophora Street.
They said it was become something of a local curiosity after appearing about two weeks ago and became worse in the recent heavy rain.
''We've seen a lot of people stop to have a look,'' Mr Williams said.
A good proportion of Mrs Williams was covered as she stepped into the hole yesterday.
Her husband said he reported the ''sinkhole'' to Canberra Connect on Monday and was told it had already been reported by another resident.
''It's been there for a while so you'd think someone would come and have a look at it, at least,'' Mrs Williams said.
''There are young children who live on the street who could fall into it.''
But still no action until yesterday. After The Canberra Times contacted TAMS for comment, Mr Williams duly reported seeing two officers ''poking around'' in the hole soon afterwards.
It was filled in and fixed before 4pm.
''It was miraculous,'' Mr Williams said.
A spokesman for TAMS denied the hole had been fixed because there was media interest. He said there had been calls to Canberra Connect on Monday and Tuesday about the hole, adding it would be monitored.