Mine workings dating back to the 1840s have been discovered under a road.

Part of Cooper Lane, Clayton Heights, Bradford, could be closed for up to six weeks while Council engineers investigate.

Diversions have been put in place following the discovery of the shallow mine, thought to be connected to the Bowling Iron Works, founded in 1778.

Contractors had been working on drains connected to a building site, where work was still progressing yesterday.

Andrew Parkin, Bradford Council’s highways asset manager, said: “We closed part of Cooper Lane after developers uncovered shallow mine workings while trying to connect to a Yorkshire Water sewer.

“The roof of these works collapsed leaving a thin layer of rock holding up the road.

“We are waiting for a licence from the Coal Authority and seeking advice from a mining engineer before work can be done to make the road safe.

“Traffic diversions are in operation from Cooper Lane, via Beacon Road and Mandale Road and vice-versa.”

Residents say they have been warned the work could last several weeks.

Vera Roberts, of Cooper Lane, said: “They have gone well out of their way to help us, they’ve let us get in and out and they sent us a letter telling us where we can park – there’s nothing they have not got right.”

Angus Houliston, managing director of contractors LNT Construction, said: “At present we are undertaking further research with Bradford Council to assess what impact the discovery of the shallow mines will have.

“We don’t expect it to cause any delay to the completion of the care home build at Cooper Lane but will monitor the situation.”