Antrim Borough Council has confirmed that a programme of works is now underway to clear debris from the Market Square area in Antrim, following the collapse of a section the historic Town Wall and Ramparts in early October.

In addition to the clearing operation, the council has confirmed that an adjacent section of wall, which is in an unsafe condition, will be carefully dismantled before planning gets underway for a full restoration project in the New Year.

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The council said it intends to store the debris and stonework and to reuse the original materials as part of the restoration scheme.

Over the past few weeks, talks with representatives of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency Historic Monuments Unit regarding the collapse has taken place.

The Agency has supported the council to establish an appropriate way forward, and has provided archaeological services to monitor the work during the clearance and dismantling operation, a spokesman said.

It is anticipated that restoration work will begin in Spring 2009.

(PR)