A MAJOR road through North Yorkshire has reopened after being closed for several days after a sinkhole opened up.

The A64 through Rillington reopened at 6am today following extensive repair work on a sinkhole.

Police closed the road on Sunday after a burst water main caused significant damage to the road from High Street, outside the Coach and Horses Pub, to Sands Lane.

A diversion has since been in place with traffic diverted from Staxton and Malton.

The road was closed in both directions between the B1248 near Scagglethorpe, Norton-on-Derwent and the B1249 near Willerby, Staxton.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Janet Sanderson, who represents Rillington, said she had been shocked to see the extent of the damage on the A64.

“Reactive emergency work is always a challenge, and I am grateful that the two authorities have worked at speed to get the A64 open again at this very busy time."

York Press:

A spokesman for National Highways Yorkshire said: "Emergency road surface repairs are now complete and the A64 in NorthYorkshire is now open in both directions between the the A169 near Malton and the B1249 near Willerby.

"Thanks for your patience if you've been affected by these works."

The Press first reported issues on Sunday (July 31) when water started coming through the road surface and a hole emerged.

The hole began filling with water and Yorkshire Water were in attendance along with North Yorkshire Police.

A police spokesperson said at the time: "As the road is now sinking we are going to have to close the A64 at Rillington.

"Please find alternate routes.

"We thank you for your patience."

Staff at the Coach & Horses pub in Rillington said they had first noticed sandy coloured water in the road.

A manhole cover had lifted at one side of the road and within 10 minutes water was across the A64.

They had managed to stop the water coming into the pub while a big dip began to appear in the road.

Bar tender Adele said: "We could see a big dip appearing in the road.

"Unfortunately we have had to close early but our customers have been brilliant."

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said on Sunday: “Yorkshire Water are currently on site at the A64 at Rillington due to a burst mains.

"We have a team on site that are working hard to fix the issue. A road closure and diversion route is in place.”