A STRUCTURAL survey of the partly-collapsed churchyard wall at St Michael and All Angels Church is still to take place, town councillors have heard.

Ledbury town clerk Karen Mitchell said at a meeting that the input of a conservation officer was also still awaited.

Town councillors fear that, if the whole of the ancient, ivy-covered wall has to be rebuilt, it could cost the town council as much as £100,000.

Mrs Mitchell said she had spoken to the church’s diocesan officer and he had told the council that any repairs should be “like for like”. The wall is in the socalled Closed churchyard, and falls into the responsibility of Ledbury Town Council. But councillors are still wondering how much work the council will actually be obliged to fund.

Coun Annette Crowe said: “Must it be like for like?

Could we not plant trees before the wall, to act as a barrier?” Coun Bob Barnes questioned the need for extensive work. He said: “It’s just a repair. It’s not a replacement.”