WORKS to remove a blockade which has been in place for more than three years could soon get underway in Launceston.

In January 2023, Race Hill in Launceston was forced to close after a notoriously bulging wall along the stretch began to collapse. For a period, the road was completely closed to drivers before, to the appreciation of residents, the stretch was finally reopened. However, despite the reopening, Race Hill was adorned with fencing and sand bags propping the wall up and preventing it from further falling into the road, allowing drivers to continue using the route.

Despite Corserv, an arms-length organisation run by Cornwall Council responsible for the operation of Cormac, stating at the time that following the completion of a structural survey, the organisation aimed to start removing the debris within a week and have the road reopened within seven days, the makeshift precautions have remained in place ever since.

The works have reduced the width of the road, limiting traffic movement and often causing a build up of cars, much to the dissatisfaction of residents.

At the end of December, Cornwall councillor for Launceston South, Cllr Damon Dennis confirmed that works to remove the fencing and bags and repair the wall were finally set to get underway after Cornwall Council and the owner of the retaining wall agreed a timeline for progressing the repair.

Now, three months on, Cllr Dennis has confirmed that the next phase of the plan is edging closer.

Speaking to the Post, he said: “By way of update on Race Hill, the structural engineer’s report has now been completed. Cornwall Council is currently waiting for the landowner to appoint a designer.

“Once the design work and necessary consents, planning and technical approvals are in place, a contractor will then be appointed to carry out the remedial works.”