Well, I'm in a hole lot of trouble! (From This is Hampshire)

Well, I'm in a hole lot of trouble!

5:00pm Saturday 9th April 2011 in News By Simon Moss

WATCHING in horror as a treasured ring slipped from his finger and dropped down a 70-foot well, David Brook knew he was in big trouble.

The white-and-yellow gold band was given to him as a present by partner Jan Simmons while they were on |holiday in Dubai – and it is the closest thing he will ever get to a wedding |ring.

Now Mr Brook, 45, has launched an appeal to help retrieve the lost ring, which is resting deep below The Towers Indian Restaurant, in The Harrow Way, Viables.

The couple have been together 12 years but have decided not to marry. Ms Simmons, 43, paid £550 for the ring four years ago.

After searching since October for a way to retrieve it, Mr Brook told The Gazette: “It is so frustrating because it’s not lost – we know exactly where it is. It’s the most bizarre accident you can ever have.

“We were all stood around chatting and the ring fell off. In slow motion, it went up in the air and bounced its way into the well.”

Mr Brook is a regular customer at The Towers restaurant, which is unable to help as the well is the responsibility of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

His insurers are willing to refund the cost of the ring, but will not get involved with trying to retrieve it.

Mr Brook said: “I don’t know what it would be worth over here – Dubai gold is very high quality.

“We decided to buy each other a nice ring to show our commitment to each other when we were on holiday in Dubai.

“The money is irrelevant because I would not be able to replace the ring. It is the sentimental value that’s important to me.”

Mr Brook hopes someone with the right equipment, such as a harness and breathing apparatus, will come forward and help.

Borough councillor Ron Hussey, ward member for Grove, said the well could be over 100 years old and its structural integrity is in doubt. He added the council should not be responsible for retrieving the ring.

He said: “There is a lot at stake and a lot of expense before anybody would go down there – who will pay for it?”

Borough council corporate director Dorcas Bunton said: “We are sorry to hear that the gentleman has lost his ring down the well.

“We understand he is keen to get it back and we would be happy to speak to the gentleman and help him find a company with the knowledge and expertise to do this.”

Anyone who is able to help Mr Brook can contact him via The Gazette newsdesk on 01256 337444.