REPAIR work is moving closer to beginning on a precarious Kidderminster wall that forced the evacuation of residents.

Worcestershire County Council has begun the process of employing a contractor to carry out repairs on the Mill Street wall by seeking prices for them to carry out the necessary works.

The process is being fast tracked following further ground investigations. Information on what is required and the scope of evaluation will be revealed and evaluated within the next fortnight.

Mill Street residents who live beneath the wall were evacuated by the county council and Wyre Forest District Council following an inspection on August 15. Engineers made the move as a precaution against the retaining wall falling down.

Richard Attwood, the county council's senior engineer, said: "This is a positive step forward in starting the repair work to Mill Street wall. We know residents are anxious to return to their properties as soon as possible.

"We need to give them the confidence they can do so safely and apologise for the inconvenience this process is causing."

Conservative county councillor, Derek Prodger, cabinet member for environment, added: "Our main concern is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the evacuated residents.

"We are working towards getting a contract signed and starting repair work on the wall to safely return the residents to their properties."

The county council has endeavoured to keep residents updated with the situation and both Mr Attwood and Mr Prodger are planning to meet the finalised contractors and the residents on Wednesday, November 21 to explain the next stage of work.