A HISTORIC boundary wall in Castlefields Park in Calne is to be restored thanks to funding from developers Hills Homes.

The boundary wall retains a mound in the park and when fully restored will prevent a path running between the canal and the mound from having to be closed.

The wall was found to be in a very poor state of repair and liable to collapse in parts back in 2012 when, following some freak weather, the council discovered urgent works were needed on the wall and to some trees.

An early estimation on the cost to repair and reinstate the wall sympathetically and in a fitting manner for such a historic part of the town is around £200,000.

Denis Robinson, chairman of the Castlefields Canal and River Park Association, said: “It’s very good news, it’s a big job and it has needed to be done for the last ten years so it’s good Hills Homes have come forward.

“Over the years it’s weathered and trees have grown up on top of it which has caused more damage and over the last three years there’s been significant collapses along the length of it.

“The work will mean the potential for the route along the park being closed won’t happen and the danger to the public from falling trees will be removed as well.”

Hills Homes, which built the Station Road development, have reached an agreement with the town council to use around 50 per cent of the Section 106 funds, money given by developers of large sites to the council to reduce the impact of a development, to reinstate the wall.

A town council spokesman said: “This means that the essential works can be undertaken using the expertise of a conservation architect and in full consultation with conservation officers from Wiltshire Council.

“It will also ensure that the historic value of this part of Calne will be preserved whilst also taking in account the surrounding flora and fauna to ensure they are protected throughout the process.”

Castlefield’s Park was transferred to Calne Town Council in 2012 as a community asset from Wiltshire Council. The town council recognise the area as an essential green lung to the town and want to ensure it remains as a green space and a community asset for the present and future generations.

Details of the stages of the reinstatement will be available shortly on the town council’s website.