Investigations have begun into what caused part of Chester’s Roman city wall to collapse during construction work.
Construction Manager Magazine writes:
The section of the ancient structure adjoins the site of a new aparthotel development.
Cheshire West and Chester Council said that the collapse on Friday last week had occurred following excavations by a private developer, thought to be Liverpool-based Walker and Williams.
A council spokesperson said: “Investigations are continuing to establish the exact reasons for the collapse, but early indications appear to show that earth had been removed from the bottom of the city walls behind 15 to 19 Newgate Street (near to the wall walkway leading out of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre).
“The removal of too much earth exposed a section of bare foundations. The developer has now stopped the works within their site, to enable further assessments to be undertaken.”
Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “The council is taking this situation very seriously and we will ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out. I am thankful that no-one has been hurt as a result of this collapse and our priority will continue to be public safety.”
Developer Max Williams said: “We are so thankful that nobody was hurt in the collapse on Thursday night but are greatly saddened by what has happened.
“We will support the council where ever we can to get the wall sympathetically restored and made safe for many years to come.
“We apologise to the people of Chester for any distress this has caused them but would kindly ask them to wait for the facts to become clear before making a judgement.”
