St Oswald’s in Malpas - Update on wall repairs

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed a revised completion date for the repairs on the wall collapse at St Oswald’s Church in Malpas.

It was previously expected that the work would be completed by autumn, this has now been revised and the work is now expected to be completed in December 2022. This is subject to there being no unexpected disruptions to the planned works.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “This is a complex engineering project, requiring excavation and preparation of tension micropiles to secure the stability of the wall. 

“We have experienced difficulties appointing experienced professionals able to undertake the work and who have access to the necessary equipment that can fit and be operated safely within the restricted space available. In addition, the cost of the repair works is now estimated at £750,000 which is higher than originally thought, adding to the delay as additional funding was identified.

“Please be assured that work is progressing and we’re doing all we can to complete these repairs as quickly as possible.”

The revised timetable includes core drilling and installation of permanent anchors during October and November. Masonry work, concrete works and metalwork will take place in November and December.

Road closures remain necessary to allow safe working. However, wherever possible, roads will be re-opened, even if only for short periods, to help reduce the impact.

Access will be maintained for residents of Parbutts Lane from the High Street/Old Hall Street direction and a signed diversion route is in place for through traffic.