Collapsed ‘dangerous’ wall is part of Bishop of Gloucester’s grounds

The collapsed wall which has led to the closure of a footway near Gloucester Cathedral belongs to the Church Commissioners as Bishop Rachel Treweek lives behind it, it has been confirmed.

Part of the footway along Pitt Street has been closed as the wall which runs along it is collapsing.

Church Commissioners, the body which manages the Church of England’s property, says it immediately took steps to protect the public and contacted Gloucestershire County Council.

It has also informed nearby King’s School to ensure that children do not walk on that side of the pavement.

“The wall belongs to the Church Commissioners as the Bishop of Gloucester lives in the property behind,” a Diocese of Gloucester spokesperson said.

“We reported that the wall had been damaged immediately to the council and to the property management company. Building control was then called out and they then contacted highways to close the pavement for safety.

“We have let King’s School know to ensure that children are not walking on that side of the pavement. We acted quickly due to safety concerns but also to ensure that the wall gets fixed as soon as possible.”

Earlier this week, Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate) raised safety concerns over the wall and called on highways chiefs at Shire Hall to extend the pavement closure.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said they will keep the footway closed and barriers on site until the wall is made safe.

The county highways teams will continue to monitor the site in the time being.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk