WANTAGE’S “wonky wall” will be demolished at a cost of thousands of pounds to a pensioner who did not even know he owned it.

A 40ft stretch of pavement on Wallingford Street was closed in January after the adjoining wall was found to be leaning dangerously into the road.

Vale of White Horse District Council has now confirmed the wall still belongs to Haynes Holdings, which built neighbouring Haywards Close in the 1970s.

The council plans to charge company director Michael Macario – now in his 90s and living in Hampshire – for the scaffolding it had put up for public safety.

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It is understood the Vale does not intend to replace the 100m wall and demolition is not expected to be completed until April.

Wantage town councillor Jenny Hannaby, who also sits on the Vale council, said removing the wall was “not acceptable”.

She said: “I am relieved Vale Council have decided to take the lead on getting the wall saga resolved and the footpath open.

“But plans to remove the wall and replace with seeded bank is not acceptable and could lead to land creep on to the footpath.

“I recognise the public purse has to be protected but this area is a major route into the Market Place and should be reinstated.

“The decision to reinstate the wall will be a political one, with plans going to the Vale cabinet for a decision.

“I hope that the residents and wider community will have the chance to comment on these plans before a decision is made.”

In July this year wall owner Mr Macario told the Oxford Mail he would be willing to demolish it if it could be proved the wall was his, though he would not pay to replace it.

He has always said he did not understand why, when the Vale took possession of the earth bank behind the wall in 2004, it did not take the wall too.

Mrs Hannaby agreed, adding: “Obviously there was a mistake when the land was transferred.

“Now this poor 92-year-old man has been left with a bill for about £10,000.”

The council is now seeking quotes for the removal of trees and scrub from the area.

Mrs Hannaby warned the “massive” project would make the road “horrendous” to navigate.

Mr Macario was not available for comment. The Vale did not respond to a request for comment.

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