Wyke Regis: Church wall still decaying after no action

As previously reported, frustrated homeowner Paul Whittle, who has lived on Portland Road in Wyke Regis, Weymouth for the past 23 years, raised concerns over a ‘decaying wall’ in his garden.

Mr Whittle claims that the wall, which is shared with neighbouring All Saints’ churchyard, has been in an increasingly poor state, with fears it could eventually collapse into his garden if nothing is done to fix the issue.

Paul Whittle next to the crack on his side of the wall (Image: Lewis Eyre) Disputed for more than a year now, complications had arose over responsibility for the wall with the church previously saying that it is the boundary of the churchyard under the Burial Act 1855. This means the maintenance and repair of churchyards and the boundaries fall to the local authority - Dorset Council.

Mr Whittle said that whilst he knows the wall is not about to collapse, he fears that the integrity could lead to other problems such as damp and mould, with the high wall in close proximity with his house. 

Dorset Council was due to look at the legal issues, but Mr Whittle said he has been met with a 'wall of silence'.

He said: “Since June, nothing has happened or changed, and I have had no communication with the church or the council over the issue.

“It’s absolutely frustrating- I’m here everyday next door to the church, and people will walk past but no one has given me an update or even asked me how I am.

Paul Whittle's wall (Image: Lewis Eyre) “From the very start, I have indemnified them against any damages, and I can do no more than this - it’s given me sleepless nights.”

Speaking about the deteriorating condition of the wall, Mr Whittle said: “It is hanging in there. It was getting worse due to the plants growing through it, but I’ve been spraying the wall every day with weed killer in the hopes that will help."

Churchwarden Gary Hepburn said: “As previously explained by the church, the maintenance and repair of the boundary wall legally falls to the local authority (Dorset Council).”

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "We are awaiting a surveyor’s written report but, as the wall is privately owned, it would be a matter between the owners of the properties either side of the wall.”