The collapsed wall. Photo courtesy Les Emery

A 10-metre retaining wall has just collapsed on East Street opposite John Curtin College of the Arts. The road has been closed all day after back-filling of the limestone wall caused it to pull away from the cliff face and dangerous cracks appeared. Traffic will be a nightmare when school closes today, and the Herald noticed diverted buses were being forced onto the wrong side of the street as they turned into Ellen Street—right at the entrance to John Curtin. Locals say the project was a balls-up from the start. Read this weekend’s Herald to find out why.

Workers check out the wall shortly before its collapse. Photo by Steve Grant