How to build fence, near wall

[ss]

See pic below. I want to build a fence approx 5 feet high, vertical slats with small gap between. My main issues are that the posts on other side of wall have been in for years and although feel secure the tops have rotted, they have also been put in before the shrubs so access now is not good for trying to replace them. So best bet appears to build my side of wall and as near to it as possible so less garden is taken away. On the other side of the wall there is a steep enbankment so I am not sure how much support the badly built wall has (single brick)ie if I put the posts in next to the wall would they blow over in the first gale. The strong winds generally hit the wall from my side, so would hit the fence head on. The post would be concreted in if I can get that rough concrete lifted and for the moment I am assuming just earth underneath.

Any thoughts on the best way to tackle this?

[Tim]

simplify things. Whatever you do, one of these makes digging post holes an absolute doodle.

[ss]

> Tim

" Any particular reason why you want to retain the wall?" Not being an engineer but I believe it will be offering some retaining qualities for the back garden area, From the walls of the house to that wall is approx 15 feet, then its the wall, then a 3 foot sloping drop. I am thinking if the wall were away then the garden area could slowly slip down the slope over a number of years. Also, although the wall could be easily taken away at the garden end (my side) on the other side of the wall I would still have 2 - 3 feet of wall that would be difficult to access because of the shrubs. The shrubs on the other side of the wall are not owned by me so in theory I cant remove them.

[Tricky Dicky]

Are you sure the posts are concreted in? I would imagine with posts that height supporting a wire mesh they would have just been hammered in. Try giving one a little persuassion and see if it come out. I think you are going to have an awkward time putting new posts in if you are keeping the wall and cannot do anything with the shrubs.

Richard

[mike]

Post hole diggers are excellent. You might also want to pick up a trench spade or drain spade (I forget which is which and I'm not sure the suppliers know the difference either but it's long and narrow and just the thing for this sort of job).

In what way is the wall badly built? Could you not add more decorative blocks to the top? Or bolt Metpost sockets to it and fix your fence that way? Or how taking up the rough concrete and planting a hedge, either decorative or deterrent? Is it security or privacy you're looking for?

[ss]

doodle.http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=post+hole+digger&oe=UTF-8&...>>>> Tim

"In what way is the wall badly built?" ... Other parts of the wall are coming apart I think due to wrong concrete mix. "Could you not add more decorative blocks to the top?"... If the wall is weak which I suspect then not an option. A hedge would take too long I am older so wanting privacy and a bit more security as soon as. I have already obtained some reclaimed timber for free so this would also be my cheapest option. I am thinking maybe one option might be put `my` posts in directly in front of the `old` posts and connect the two with a strap of wood for extra strength, this could possibly allow me to put the posts nearer the wall.