Following a structural survey of the wall at Rampart’s Walk, Totnes Town Council will be starting work to clear vegetation in the next couple of weeks. Access for local residents and other people using the walk will be maintained as much as possible to minimise disruption.
Totnes Town Council is responsible for the maintenance of the St Mary’s Church wall along Rampart’s Walk. A structural survey was recently commissioned by the Town Council for the wall which recommends that the wall should have a dry top and base to help preserve its structural safety, and therefore it should be kept clear of vegetation.
Work will be carried out to remove the self-sown grass, plants and ivy from the gutter area at the foot of the wall to the path, the ivy from the top of the wall and any plants growing into the wall whose roots could cause a longer-term problem. Once the wall and base are cleared of grasses and self-sown weeds then any necessary repairs can take place.
Catherine Marlton, Totnes Town Council Clerk said: “We wanted to let everyone who uses Rampart’s Walk or lives nearby know what work we’re doing and why it is important. We expect clearing to start in the coming weeks, most likely taking place on a Saturday over successive weeks. We’ve successfully applied to the Probation Service for this vegetation clearance work to take place as part of the Community Payback scheme. The Probation Service are aware that this pathway is used by residents and people transiting the town and will work to ensure access at all times.”