Following the bar’s installation, one local commented on a Facebook post highlighting the bar’s installation: “I’m assuming this has been constructed to allow two people to pass through the hole at the same time, thus cutting down the queuing time down Bath Street.
Another wrote: “So who is going to be the first person to get stuck in the hole and have to be rescued by our brave fire brigade?”
A third added: “Council asked “how can we make money from this” and someone suggested the council should turn it into a bar.”
“I hear it is being turned into a HMO on the top half and a Turkish barbers at the bottom,” wrote another.
The bank are yet to publicly comment on or justify the reasons behind the installation, with many locals left baffled by the high street addition.
The swift pushback from locals and fans of the ‘Bank [trade name omitted] Hole’ alike quickly caught the attention of local MP Adam Thompson.
In a written response, the MP wrote that the hole had become an “iconic symbol” of the town, noting the bar’s installation had raised “concern and speculation among Ilkeston residents”.
“The hole is well known locally and has become something of a landmark,” he continued, insisting the whole is “one of those small quirks that contributes to Ilkeston’s unique character and identity.”
“I believe I speak for many residents in saying there is relief the pole has been removed,” he said.
Adding: “that being said, I’d appreciate some clarification as to why the pole was installed in the first place, and, if possible, the reason for its removal.”
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 