A CORNWALL councillor has confirmed that roadworks which have been delayed for more than three years are entering the final stage before getting underway.

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, preventing it from further falling into the road, allowing drivers to continue using the route.

Despite Corserv — the arms-length organisation operated by Cornwall Council that oversees Cormac — stating at the time that debris removal would begin within a week of the structural survey and that the road would reopen within seven days, the temporary measures have remained in place ever since.

The works have reduced the width of the road, limiting traffic movement and in the eyes of many residents, have created an eyesore within a central location within the town.

Now, seven months on from initially announcing that discussions to begin repairs had started with the necessary parties, Damon Dennis councillor for Launceston South has confirmed that designs for the repaired wall have been completed and the project is moving into the final stages ahead of construction.

Speaking to the us, he said: “I’m pleased to report that positive progress is being made on the Race Hill retaining wall. The design work has now been completed, and the project is moving into the final stages of securing the necessary planning consents and technical approvals.

“Once these are in place, a contractor will be appointed, and the remedial works can begin. It is encouraging to see the project moving forward, and I look forward to work starting as soon as the approvals process is complete.”