Councillor Alex Easton has hit out at the Housing Executive for failing to deal with a “large leaning wall” in the Bloomfield Estate, Bangor.

The wall, which is approximately 40 metres long and eight feet high, is situated at Ballyree Drive, close to residential property.

Mr Easton said the problem was identified recently during a meeting between himself, Roads Service and the Housing Executive.

“It is quite clear that whole sections of the wall are tilting outwards and it is only a mater of time that the pressure of the earth behind it could see its collapse,” Mr Easton said.

“On further inspection only last week it is clear that some immediate works have taken place to take some of the pressure from behind the wall, with earth being removed and safety barriers being put in place to protect residents who live in the area.

“I, however, feel that more urgent attention is required as sections of the wall seem to have been lifted up and pushed outwards over other parts of the wall with large cracks appearing throughout the entire length and structure of the wall.”

A spokesman for the Housing Executive said remedial work, including the removal of a large amount of soil, had been carried out and “this has resolved the matter”.

“We are also looking at a long-term solution to improving the condition of the wall,” the spokesman added.

However, Councillor Easton said completion of the work was urgent. “I believe it is urgent and vital that this wall is removed for the safety of residents in Bloomfield Estate and that a new retaining wall be built that can safety support the huge weight of the embankment as soon as possible by either the Road Service or Housing Executive,” he added.

A spokeswoman for Roads Service said the issue of the wall was a Housing Executive matter.