EIGHT months after a historic wall collapsed in Worcester, an ombudsman will now determine who will pay to fix it - but it could take years to decide. 

The owner of the retaining wall, which collapsed in Reservoir Lane off Rainbow Hill, has now gone to the Financial Ombudsman Service to figure out who must pay.

The road, which has been blocked with debris since February, could remain closed for another two years while the service determines who will be responsible for the estimated £400,000 bill, either Worcestershire County Council, the owner or the owner's insurance.

Worcestershire County Council has reiterated its position that the owner is responsible for maintaining the wall.

Adam Giagnotti, the owner of the collapsed wall, said: "It's still the case that I don't know who will be paying to fix the wall, whether it will be me or the insurance.

IMPACT: Adam Giagnotti, owner of The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro and Wine Bar and Impasto, said his family was affected emotionally by the collapse and now he has also been saddled with the financial burden (Image: Supplied)IMPACT: Adam Giagnotti, owner of The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro and Wine Bar and Impasto, said his family was affected emotionally by the collapse and now he has also been saddled with the financial burden (Image: Supplied) "I had a feeling it was going to be a long and hard process but I'll let them fight it out and see what happens but I won't be paying. 

"Eight months in and I still haven't been given an official figure, it is estimated to be £400,000.

"I'm gobsmacked, they expect me to pay that much money when it's not my fault."

READ MORE: Pile of rubble remains untouched after city wall collapse

READ MORE: 'Broken' homeowner says council have shifted ALL burden to him after wall collapse

The county council said it continues to monitor the situation as residents fear wet weather could deteriorate the situation even further. 

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, said: “The conveyance on the property confirms that ownership and maintenance of the retaining wall rests with the landowner. 
 
“Our structures team are continuing to liaise with the landowner regarding the progress of the repairs, and carry out regular inspections to ensure the wall doesn’t collapse further and the road continues to remain safe.

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"Traffic management will remain in place until repairs are carried out.”

Initially, the county council put temporary traffic lights on Rainbow Hill during the clean-up operation, however, these were removed in May. 

Mr Giagnotti continued: "The county council hasn't rang me in months ever since they took down the traffic lights after I said I wouldn't be paying. 

"They took down the lights and cut the hedge but that was months ago. I must be on a schedule, I will just have to wait and see."