FAMILIES in part of Ludlow are coming to terms with the possibility of being unable to return to their homes for many months because of the condition of a stretch of the historic town wall.

As reported, people living in a stretch of Upper Linney were advised to get out of their homeslate on Friday because of fears over the stability of the 800 year old wall below the Old Rectory.

Some have moved and are staying at The Travel Lodge, but others have chosen to stay after signing a declaration that they understand the risk.

A number of properties are believed to be holiday lets, currently vacant.

Engineers are conducting further examinations of the wall and the first step will be to see if it can be made safe.

A complete restoration of the section of wall that is a designated ancient monument would be supervised by English Heritage and take many months if not longer.

The stretch of wall involved is owned by the Diocese of Hereford which would be responsible for the cost of the repairs, runnig into six figures.

Church officials are working with Shropshire Council, which took the decision to evacuate.