A playing field at Clijah Croft has been closed after areas of the pitch were found to be collapsing into abandoned mine shafts underneath.

The field will be out of action for at least the first half of the playing season, and Cornwall Council will work with the football club to find a suitable temporary alternative until the works have been completed.

The issue was first reported to the council last winter when several shallow depressions appeared.

The council fenced off the areas for safety reasons pending a mining study and drilling investigation. These showed that the collapsing areas were more significant than expected and that there were additional areas of concern elsewhere in the playing fields.

There are now 10 small areas fenced off for the public’s safety and security fencing is being monitored regularly.

The council has been advised that the rest of the Clijah Croft playing fields remain safe for use by the public and grounds machinery and will continue to monitor the situation until a permanent solution is found.

Sue James, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “We are working with Cormac to make the Clijah Croft site safe and fully usable again, and we apologise for any inconvenience while the pitch is out of action. There are some further tests to be carried out, but it is likely that extensive works will be needed. It will take some time to design the works and we will provide updates about the works when we have more information.”

Ian Thomas, Cornwall Councillor for Redruth South, said: “This matter is hugely disappointing for everyone concerned and, in particular, the teams and clubs who use the pitches on a frequent and regular basis; the local community; and the public at large. The full extent of the problem has only recently been communicated to me and I hope that the solution and a satisfactory remedy will soon be in place."