Huge debt as council faces wall repair

The wall - Sparthbottoms Road

Rochdale Council has been forced into huge debt after the courts ordered they repair a wall on the verge of collapse.

Rochdale Borough Council first tried to bill local residents for the repair of a large retaining wall in Sparthbottoms Road, and fought a 5-year legal battle before accepting responsibility.

But it was decided at last night’s Cabinet meeting (Monday 23 March) that they will borrow money to cover the huge repair costs, and will take action as soon as possible.

Fears have grown among residents that if the wall collapses, the houses may he dragged with it, as it supports the row of houses on St Albans Terrace.

The dispute over who should foot the bill has dragged the case out over a five year period.

Ted Stead, who has lived in St Albans Terrace for 30 years said: “The wall has been in an urgent state of repair for years, and the council’s refusal to foot the bill has meant nothing has been done. We have all been living in danger”.

“I’m just glad the judge has finalised the case and the wall can now be repaired”.

Mt. Stead was one of the residents landed with a notice three years ago, saying that the council would repair the wall, but would bill them for it.

Residents then appealed this decision, a dispute which was eventually brought before the courts.

Now the council is considering suing United Utilities, because a collapsed sewer may have caused water pressure, weakening the wall and contributing to its fragile state.

Councillor Greg Couzens, the portfolio holder for finance said: “We should at least consider if United Utilities have some level of responsibility”.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif said: “the fact is this wall is very dangerous and repair work should start as soon as possible, regardless of where the money comes from”.

The exact figure is yet to be released, but it will be between £800,000 and £1M.