THIS is the hole that could be at the root of a mystery which led to Soudley Ponds being drained this week.

As the Review went to press in the early hours of Wednesday morning two eight-inch electric pumps were about half-way through a 30-hour cycle to remove thousands of gallons of water.

When the water is down to a suitable level investigation work can begin to try and solve the mystery.

The Forestry Commission called in experts to try and work out why the water was not going where it should have been.

A dye was added to the water last week and when it didn't come out the other side of the road as expected the Commission called in the engineers.

It could be that the water is disappearing down a hole that has appeared near the road.

Simon Lodder, of Ruardean-based contractors Kettle Civils said: "We've got two eight-inch pumps taking the water out but there is a flow coming down at the same time. There is a lot of water in there.

"When the water is down an investigation can begin to see if it is this hole that is causing the problems."

The road was closed near the Dean Heritage Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday and contractors are expected to be on site for about a week.