MYSTERY surrounds who is responsible for two large holes that have been left uncovered on an area of land next to a Basingstoke business park.

The holes, which are around six feet deep and 15 inches wide, are next to a pavement leading to the combined John Lewis at home and Waitrose store in Basing View.

A member of the public alerted The Gazette to the holes, concerned that someone could break their ankle if they fell in one, or that a small child or dog could fall down one.

But so far no one has admitted responsibility for them.

The member of the public reported the holes to the store manager of Waitrose, but was told that the land does not belong to the company.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council told The Gazette that it is also not responsible for the land, and suggested that Bowmer and Kirkland, which was contracted to build the multi-million pound John Lewis at home and Waitrose store, is carrying out landscaping work there.

But the company claimed it has now handed over responsibility for the land following the completion of the store, and suggested that Southern Gas Network (SGN) could be culpable. However, SGN also said it was not carrying out any work in that area.