Following the collapse of a private wall onto the road on Chywoone Hill in Newlyn, the road remains closed. On Tuesday 24 February, a public meeting was held at The Centre Newlyn with Cornwall Council, Cornwall Highways and the contractors who will be rebuilding the wall, Jointline.
The key points from this public meeting are as follows:
- Good ongoing communication between the landowner, their insurers, and Cornwall Council has been happening from the moment that concern about the wall was raised last year.
- The contractor, Jointline, is scheduled to begin work on behalf of the landowner on 2 March to rebuild the wall. This project is expected to take 5 weeks, subject to weather.
- The road will be fully closed for this duration, with pedestrian access maintained. Contractors intend to work seven days a week (daytime only).
- An unofficial local diversion route, with a voluntary one-way system (see below), has been devised by local residents with the help of Cornwall Highways to ease traffic congestion in Newlyn.
Jointline has set up an information page to give updates on the project, including the following:
Scope of Works
Works will involve ground stabilisation of the embankment and the construction of a new retaining wall to provide long-term structural stability to the adjacent highway and to ensure the continued safety of road users and pedestrians.
The works will be undertaken within a securely segregated working area, with robust barriers and edge protection installed to prevent unauthorised access and to protect the public from the construction zone at all times.
Project Update
25 Feb 2026
Our teams are currently on site undertaking preparatory works ahead of construction of the new retaining wall. Activities include the removal of old bulk bags, general site clearance, soil nailing, bank stabilisation, and the safe removal and disposal of waste materials. These works are essential to ensure the area is secure, stable and fully prepared for the next phase of construction.
All planned preparatory activities will be completed this week. As there will be no further works that can progress until formal design approval is received from the project engineers, operatives will stand down on Friday 27th. This is solely due to the pending sign off and not as a result of any delay to the programme.
Subject to approval, we anticipate returning to site on Monday 2 March to commence construction of the new retaining wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can the road not remain open with traffic lights in place?
Due to the restricted site footprint and the proximity of the collapsed retaining wall to the carriageway, there is insufficient safe working width to accommodate live traffic alongside construction activities.
The works require plant, materials and operatives to operate within a tightly controlled area. Introducing temporary traffic signals would significantly reduce the available safety zone and increase the risk to road users, pedestrians and the workforce.
A full road closure ensures that the works can be carried out safely, efficiently and in compliance with current health and safety legislation and Chapter 8 traffic management requirements.
Is the road closure really necessary?
Yes. The closure has been implemented under a Temporary Prohibition of Traffic Notice due to the potential danger to the public associated with the collapsed wall.
Maintaining a live carriageway adjacent to an unstable structure presents unacceptable risk. The closure removes that risk and allows the retaining wall to be reconstructed in a controlled and secure environment.
In addition, given the limited width of the footway, reopening a single traffic lane would position live vehicles significantly closer to the pedestrian route, which is regularly used by parents and schoolchildren. This would reduce the available safety margin and increase risk at a location where pedestrian movements are frequent and often concentrated at peak times.
How long will the works take?
Construction is scheduled to commence on 2 March. Site preparation activities have already been completed to facilitate a safe and efficient start to the main reconstruction works.
The works are currently forecast to be delivered over a five-week programme. Construction activities will primarily take place during weekday daytime hours between 8am and 5pm to minimise disruption to the local community, with weekend working undertaken where possible to support timely completion.
As final design approval is still pending, this duration represents our current programme estimate and will be reviewed and confirmed once sign-off has been received.
As with all external construction activity, progress may be influenced by adverse weather conditions. To mitigate this, weather protection measures will be implemented where practicable, including temporary coverings and protection of exposed structural elements to prevent water ingress and material degradation. Works will also be carefully sequenced to maximise productivity during favourable conditions.
We are committed to completing the reconstruction as quickly as practicable while maintaining the highest standards of safety, structural integrity and quality. Updates will continue to be provided to the local community throughout the scheme.
Will access to residents and businesses be maintained?
Pedestrian access to residents and businesses will be maintained where it is safe and practicable to do so. If short-term restrictions are required for specific operations, these will be carefully managed and communicated in advance where possible.
Why can the works not be carried out at night?
Construction activities are currently restricted to daytime hours to minimise disturbance to the local community. Night working would introduce additional noise, artificial lighting and additional logistical impacts within a residential setting.
All working hours are also managed in accordance with the Working Time Regulations to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our workforce. The current working pattern balances programme efficiency, workforce wellbeing and consideration for nearby residents.
What measures are in place to keep the public safe?
The site is fully segregated using secure fencing, barrier protection and approved traffic management measures.
All works are undertaken in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation, with continuous risk assessment and supervision. The objective is to reconstruct the retaining wall to restore long-term structural stability while safeguarding road users, pedestrians and the workforce.
