Action over Ross-on-Wye wall collapse
Urgent investigations have begun to establish the legal owner of a wall which has collapsed in Ross-on-Wye.
Herefordshire Council has acted swiftly to cordon off the section of wall - which runs along the side of St Mary’s Church’s cemetery - that collapsed during the heavy rain which hit the county on Tuesday this week (November 28).
Around 15 metres of the two-metre tall stone wall collapsed, with some of the debris falling on graves in the cemetery.
“We think around 70 metres of the wall are unsafe so we’ve cordoned off the area and are in the process of making the wall as safe as possible,” said Colin Birks, Herefordshire Council’s Property Services Manager.
“We’re speaking to the Hereford Diocesan Office about this as some of the collapsed wall has fallen into the cemetery.
“As is often the case, it’s not immediately obvious who the person or body is that is legally responsible for a wall like this so we’re urgently trying to establish who the legal owners of the wall are.
“Nevertheless, while this work continues, we would request people to keep out of the area as there is the possibility of further collapse,” said Colin, who urged parents who live in or around the Wilton Cliff area of Ross-on-Wye to reinforce this message with their children.
