A BITTER row to save a wall is likely to reach a compromise - after residents learned they could not afford to fight the battle in the courts.

People in Markham Crescent, in The Groves, York, have accepted a plan to replace the top half of the 100-year-old brick wall with railings.

Residents were locked in disagreement with architect Matthew Laverack who claimed ownership of the wall and angered neighbours by starting its demolition.

But one resident, Jonathan Clark, who lives near the site, said: "We took some advice from a company of solicitors and they said that these disputes can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

"I have spoken to Mr Laverack and to most of the residents.

"They agree that there is no point trying to fight this any more.

"We have come to an agreement, although everyone would rather there was no change to the wall.

"It is a sense of making-do. It is being pragmatic."

A new plan to replace the top part of the wall with steel railings has found favour with City of York Council planning officers, who are recommending the application's approval.

A report by development control officer Simon Glazier explains the plan is to "replace the existing section of wall, which is approximately 2.1 metres high when measured from Markham Crescent, with reclaimed brickwork up to a height of about 1.04 metres, with the remaining height taken up with railings."

The report says a number of residents objected to the original application, but only one letter had been received expressing concerns about the revised scheme.

Mr Glazier concluded that the "proposed wall/railings are considered to be of an acceptable appearance and would not have a detrimental impact on crime prevention in the area".

People in Markham Crescent originally wanted to save the whole wall amid fears opening any part of it would make their street more vulnerable to crime.

Mr Laverack wanted to demolish part of it to let light through into his house in neighbouring Eldon Street.

But he hopes the railings, which will be topped with steel spikes, will prevent people climbing over and gaining access to the crescent.

He added: "I am hoping for an amicable solution.

"I did not want to fall out with the residents.

"I am optimistic the planning committee will accept the recommendations of the officers."

Updated: 09:59 Tuesday, November 29, 2005