The owners of a badly damaged wall which has led to a road at Symonds Yat being closed for more than a year have been told by a court that they are responsible for the necessary repairs.

Herefordshire Council told the Ross Gazette that the verdict reached today (December 18th) confirms where responsibility sits for the works needed to the wall.

The C1257 through Symonds Yat has been closed since June 2018. Throughout, the council and its highway partner, Balfour Beatty Living Places, have acknowledged their own responsibilities for the works needed to repair the damaged road and their spokesperson said that they have put plans in place to do so.

They said: "This verdict confirms that the responsibility for the condition of the privately owned wall sits with the owners and the notice served by the council in April 2019 seeking its repair was valid."

Works must be carried out to both the wall and road before the road can safely be reopened. The council took action under section 167 of the Highways Act to secure the repairs of the wall and enable it to act to do so in the event that those responsible did not.

The notice was appealed, and the matter has been going through due legal process for several months.

A judge concluded that the notice was valid and properly serviced. Having taken advice, Herefordshire Council must now allow reasonable time for action to take place in accordance with the 167 notice.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport, said: “We are sensitive to the impact this closure continues to have on the local community and we fully understand that feelings of frustration have grown during this lengthy process. We would like to thank local residents and businesses for their continued patience.

“We have endeavoured at all times to treat all with respect and consideration, and we regret that legal action became necessary. Our priority remains the same as it was 18 months ago: to ensure the road can safely be reopened at the earliest opportunity. We will continue to work with the owners of the wall to make sure that this happens, and we will notify residents once further details are available.”