RESTORERS of Halesowen’s Leasowes Walled Garden have discovered much of the historic brickwork is in a perilous condition.

Volunteers have painstakingly grafted to remove about 70 tonnes of rubble which was tipped against some of the walls – but still have an estimated 100 tonnes to clear.

Project co-ordinator Mick Freer said they were having to dig down up to 5ft to retrieve the original level and expose the full 10ft high wall, which dates from 1776.

The rubble came from buildings which were bulldozed by Dudley Council after it took ownership of the site between 1976 and 1980.

Instead of the materials being removed from the site, they were tipped and spread with the walled garden and neighbouring slip garden, which is being transformed into an orchard.

Mr Freer said: “Sadly, the stress on the walls is taking its toll, with evidence of the initial stages of structural failure that will ultimately lead to collapse and loss.”

It is believed the work that is being carried out to restore the levels will save the walls, including the most affected west wall.

Mr Freer said volunteers were also having to correct “ill- conceived” excavations previously carried out adjacent to footings.

He said this had created another “tangible threat to the longevity and survival” of the walls.

Mr Freer, of the Hales Owen Abbey Trust, which bought the garden to restore to its former glory, admitted the rubble removal was “a massive job” being carried out by mainly retired volunteers, but vowed it would be completed.

The walled garden was created in the 1770s to feed the family and servants of Edward Horne who owned The Leasowes after poet William Shenstone, who famously landscaped the gardens.