A CRUMBLING cemetery wall is to be repaired following years of campaigning.

Work will start this month on the 240-metre sandstone wall at Eston cemetery with a full restoration planned through the summer.

The wall was built in the 1860s and is suffering from erosion. It had been the subject of debate for years as residents and councillors tried to find a way to repair it.

The initial work, which should take about two weeks, will see eroded stone blocks removed and replaced with new ones as well as the replacement of coping stones on top of the wall.

It will mean the closure of an adjacent footpath for this period.

Councillor Bob Stanway, cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "We believe the restoration work is vital because we recognise the importance of maintaining local heritage for generations to come."