Collapse fears over wall
Tests were being carried out today on a wall which engineers fear could be in danger of collapsing on to homes in Kidderminster. Seven residents have been evacuated from Mill Street.
They were told to leave their homes after council engineers discovered movement in the wall towering above their properties.
Mill Lane has been closed for some time but now a cordon has been placed around the two homes and two businesses, the Flower Shop and a Chinese restaurant, which have been closed.
John Fraser, highways manager for Worcestershire County Council, warned today that any scheme to repair the wall could prove costly.
He added: "There was a bit of movement during the winter and since then we have had engineers checking the situation. During the past few days we have noticed more movement and cracks in the carriageway to nearby Mill Lane.
"We have evacuated five homes and fortunately the residents have been able to stay with friends or family."
Engineers are also continuing to monitor a landslip at Northwood Lane, Bewdley, which was thought to be in danger of collapsing on to four chalet bungalows.
