Old Chester Road, Helsby

Two sections of Old Chester Road in Helsby were closed for public safety due to damaged walls impacting on the highway.

In separate places along the same road, were complex issues involving private homeowners. This has meant that the re-opening of the public highway has been far from straightforward.

The Council's Transport and Highways service has been working with the homeowners about the areas that they have responsibility for, with a view to re-opening the road.

Due to the complex nature of the repairs required, the Council facilitated the appointment of a contractor, as the most practical way forward to resolving the issues for both the Council and the landowners.

Area one - sandstone cutting

This area has now re-opened following ground investigation and installation of an anchored rock netting.

The sandstone cutting is the responsibility of the Council, the wall on top of the cutting is privately owned, the area by the wall was also surveyed by engineers to confirm the best solution and timescales to secure the area.

Area two - Embankment by Rake Lane

The planning application from the property owner has been approved for the construction of a retaining wall to support the road and vehicle safety barrier.

This follows the embankment being surveyed, and engineering proposals submitted by the developer and reviewed by the Council.

The priority is to protect the public and be able to fully open Old Chester Road for vehicles.