A solution seems to have been found to the problems which have kept a road at Symonds Yat closed for some time, although it may take some months before this is put in place.

The single-track C1257 road at Symonds Yat was closed in June, 2018, following the collapse of a stone wall and the nearby road. The only alternative access for residents, Ferrie Lane Byway, is narrow and unlit at night, pot-holed, and has some steep drops to the river. Local ward councillor, Paul Newman, called for action and a residents group was set up calling for the road to be repaired and reopened.

A meeting was held last week between Herefordshire Council, representatives from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), and the owners of the wall, with their engineer, and an agreement has been reached between all parties.

Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said: “I welcome the co-operation of DCWW and the owner of the wall in establishing this way forward. I know that all parties are focusing their efforts on getting the C1257 open as soon as is able and in a way that should enable it to remain safe and available for use by all who rely on the C1257 to gain access to residences and businesses.”

DCWW carried out extensive geotechnical studies of the area to ensure that they can continue to protect their water supply. As a gesture of goodwill, and without prejudice, DCWW have agreed to leave monitoring equipment in the affected area until further data can be gathered to measure the scale of any ongoing movement.

The owners have instructed an independent Consulting Structural Engineer and whilst they do not accept liability for the ground movement, in the interests of the community, are working with the other parties involved in order to progress matters. Once the scale of any ongoing movement has been confirmed the owner of the wall has agreed to carry out any necessary works to their wall as advised.

Balfour Beatty Living Places will undertake repairs to the road so that the C1257 will open as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, Herefordshire Council is looking into providing a walkway to allow passage pedestrian to pass the wall.

The Council spokesperson said: “There is a shared sense of frustration regarding the length of time that this complex issue is taking to resolve, however all parties are now focused on progressing as quickly as possible. However, realistically it is still likely to take several months before the monitoring, design, and necessary approvals and delivery of the scheme will be completed.”