The Great Wall of Chester

This photo below taken by the real estate agent back when they were selling the unit doesn't show the true state of the retaining wall. As you can see from the image below, it was in need of replacement. The council had issued us with a warning and a time-frame to fix the wall or a fine of considerable amount, (thousands, not hundreds) would be charged.
A severe slant on the wall was beyond repair. Staples were attempted but this short term solution wasn't good enough. The wall had to go.



The front portion of sandstone wall was still in good quality, so this was kept and the capping removed. The sandstone wall is now being stepped so we can landscape some shrubs and flowers to soften the front. The white wall on the other side of the block was the most damaged, a rendered brick wall, it was doomed to fail from day 1.





The old white rendered wall was removed in a few days and work has begun on the sandstone look wall.


Real sandstone was too expensive for the job. These sandstone blocks are made for retaining walls compared to bricks and mortar which aren't meant to hold so much soil pressure.
This should last for MANY years to come.



Our old mailboxes will be replaced with something newer and shinier (similar to the image below) I think. Haven't seen these as yet so its still a bit of a mystery as to how it will be when its finished.