Council praised for saving homes from watery grave

Around 20 metres (200ft) of the 4.7-metre (15ft) high wall collapsed into Walsden Water, Todmorden, after heavy rain in October 2010.

The collapse left adjacent properties in Copperas House Terrace at risk of structural damage from further erosion.

Although Calderdale Council does not own any of the land and investigations did not reveal any legal owners of the wall or land affected by the collapse, council bosses decided that it was right to step in to help.

Despite difficult working conditions and unforeseen underground complications, the council and contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd have completed the work within the £376,000 budget.

The council’s decision to act has brought praise from residents.

One resident, Julie Parry, contacted the council to say: “We would like to thank all the council team for their hard work and perseverance in completing the project and keeping us informed of progress.

“The contractors have done a fine job and were very helpful and accommodating whilst they were working here.

“Please could you pass on our thanks to the contractors for their hard work and commitment to completing the difficult job within the timescale.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone that has helped turn a disaster street back into a nice place to live.”

Coun Barry Collins, Cabinet member for economy and environment, said: “Legally, the council could have left the residents to fend for themselves. Morally, we just had to help, otherwise several houses could have collapsed into the river.

“Finding a viable solution was hard enough, but, to carry it through, on budget, in the cold winter months, was a superb piece of work.

“I’d like to thank the householders for their patience and to congratulate our own officers and contractors, who’ve really done us proud.”

Most of the cost was met by the council. Contributions are also being sought from Yorkshire Water and insurance companies of nearby houses.