Council takes swift action to restore wall near historic burial ground

The council recently completed works to rebuild 28 metres of the boundary wall with new foundations between a private residence and a historic burial ground, which the council owns, in East Lane, Leavesden.

The wall, estimated to be more than 50 years old, separated a privately-owned home from the East Lane Cemetery, which was originally associated with the Leavesden Asylum/Hospital.

Officers from the council’s property team surveyed the wall after a resident raised health and safety concerns regarding the wall. It was found to be in a poorer condition than first thought – with a safety risk it could collapse.

Matching bricks were used to rebuild the old wall as it was considered impractical and uneconomical to try to save, clean and reuse the existing ones.

A local history group with an interest in the burial grounds was consulted and did not object to the works, which began in March 2024 after tree officers cleared the offending roots and were completed in June.

Joanne Wagstaffe, Chief Executive of Three Rivers District Council, said: “The council takes the health and safety of the district’s residents very seriously, so I am very pleased to see our property officers taking swift action to repair the wall.

“It’s also good to see that the resident is very pleased with the outcome and the council’s work and communications given the challenges of the wet weather that our team faced and the single-track uneven narrow road leading to the wall.

“No matter the obstacles, we will always ensure we get the job done and get it done right.”

PHOTO CAPTION 1: The new boundary wall that separates a private residential home and the historic burial ground.

PHOTO CAPTION 2: Laying down the foundations for the new boundary wall.

PHOTO CAPTION 3: The old boundary wall that was a health and safety risk.