A retaining wall near Lymm Dam has suffered a further collapse, just as repair work finally gets underway after more than four years of problems.
Warrington Borough Council Highways teams returned to the site at Baycliffe this weekend to reinstate safety barriers and make the area safe after rubble again spilled towards the road and footpath.
The retaining wall, where Baycliffe meets the embankment at Lymm Dam, has been in a collapsed state for more than four years, causing ongoing concerns for residents and people using the popular walking route.
Repair work had finally begun in recent weeks, but the latest collapse has added to the disruption as efforts continue to resolve the long-running problem.
Cllr Graham Gowland, who has been liaising with Highways over the issue, said: “The good news is the wall is finally being fixed. The bad news is it collapsed further on Friday night.
“Highways attended to put barriers back in place and make safe, and the contractor is making sure everything is off the road and footpath.”
He urged people to show understanding towards the worker carrying out the repairs, explaining that he was not the property owner and was doing his best to resolve the situation.
“There may have been a delay with a permit, which has meant the work is taking longer, but if you see someone on site – cut him a bit of slack, he’s doing his best and didn’t cause the issue,” Cllr Gowland added.
However, the councillor expressed frustration that the wall had been left in its condition for so long.
Council enforcement records show a planning enforcement case, reference ENF/20/08314, relating to an unauthorised outbuilding in the rear garden of Baycliffe, which is within a conservation area.
Cllr Gowland said: “This wall has been left in this condition for over four years, following a planning breach over an outbuilding by the wall.
“It’s on a main walking route to the Dam, used by families, dog walkers and school children every day. Residents’ patience has worn thin and it needs to be put right properly, once and for all.”
Warrington Borough Council is expected to keep temporary traffic management measures in place until the wall has been fully rebuilt and the work signed off.
Despite the latest setback, Cllr Gowland remains hopeful that the end of the long-running saga is finally approaching.
“Hopefully, fingers crossed, the end is in sight,” he said.
Warrington Worldwide will provide a further update once the footway has been fully reopened.
