CALLS to capitalise on Dorchester's rich heritage have received a boost with plans to restore historic walls on the site of ancient Roman ramparts.

Dorset County Council is aiming to restore the Colliton Park landmark to its former glory after parts of it began to crumble.

Excavations revealed parts of the town's Roman borders below the 18th century stonework when trial trenches were dug during investigations.

Now officers are waiting for government permission to start work on the walls, which border the council's County Hall headquarters.

Stella Jones, chairman of the joint Dorchester heritage committee, said: "It just goes to show the history in this town.

"The walls around Colliton Park form part of the ancient boundaries to the town which are marked by the walks today.

"It would be good if part of the ancient ramparts could be left exposed for people to see."

The county council has applied to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for permission to work on the landmark because it is a Scheduled Monument.

Officers have cordoned off the most unstable area near the town's restored Roman town house.

They aim to make it safe for passing pedestrians whilst keeping the historic value of the walls.

Archaeologists found the remains of ancient stone and wooden ramparts, which date back to Roman times, when they dug trial trenches.

The finds came as calls grow for the town to open up its Roman baths and cash in on its heritage as a centre for history and literature. Steve Cheeseman, council business support manager, said English Heritage had backed the restoration plans.

He added: "We will have to tread carefully. We want to repair the walls so they are safe, but make sure we don't affect their historic value."

The county council, which will be paying for the repairs, says it aims to use specialist materials and tools so the repairs don't alter the character of the walls.

Coun Jones added: "The ancient boundaries go round Dorchester, giving us South and West Walks as well as the River Walk and Colliton Walk.

"They are very pleasant, and another section of wall is by the top of town roundabout. I hope the council does a good job."

The flint walls were built in the 18th century on the original defensive Roman banks around the town. Sycamore and lime trees were planted alongside between the years 1703 and 1723.