THE planned project to replace the concrete barrier along the B4260 Wilton Road is to resume this summer.

Cllr Louis Stark raised the issue at last week’s full council meeting of the Herefordshire authority and reminded members that the project, planned for last October, had been postponed until this year due to the unavailability of the stonework in the planned time structure, that is to be used in the barrier’s façade.

Cllr Stark said that the works were being undertaken by Balfour Beatty but because the company was in its last few weeks of its contract, he questioned Herefordshire Council if the new contractor was taking it over.

Cllr Stark pressed Cllr Jonathan Lester, the leader of the council and asked if he was on top of the situation?

Cllr Lester added: “Getting the transition right is absolutely imperative and we are doing absolutely everything we can to make sure it will happen.

“I know the barrier in Ross-on-Wye has been a problem for some time and I agree it needs resolving.”

Cllr Dan Hurcomb, Cabinet member for local engagement and community resilience said that he has an update on this and would inform the Ross members after the meeting.

Cllr Stark said that they have been told that the aim, as it stands currently, is for the works to start from late July subject to procurement and the lead times for materials required.

It is understood that the new barrier will be of similar proportions to that of the current safety barrier and that drainage works will be undertaken at the same time as the road closure.

Last summer, intrusive trial pit investigations were conducted at several locations along the base of the cliff to analyse its stability and establish the need for permanent safety barrier to be installed.