Your neighbours on the other side of the wall obviously don’t mind a fence as the already have one. I would speak to the neighbours about taking down the wall and having a fence instead.

Thank you, I think fencing would probably be a lot cheaper? The wall is just so ugly!

As @tamp75 suggested, if the lower wall is in good condition, keep that with the pillars and fit fencing between the pillars. You could even paint the lower wall and pillars to fit in with the fencing.

Here's something similar with composite fencing

I remember those walls being so popular in the 70s, everybody had them! A really cheap option is to just paint it all but of course you still have little privacy. The wall looks a little DIY so no guarantee the footings are adequate. As originally suggested I would remove it and replace it with wooden fencing. A cheaper alternative for a skip is waste disposal contractors who will remove the rubble, just make sure they are licensed which you can check online.

Thanks everyone, some good suggestions. Everything in this house is a bit DIY so not sure how good the foundations will be. I think best best is to remove and replace with fencing, but yes dreading the cost of removing all the rubble! Eek. I do love the look of the classic red brick wall but imagine that whole project will be expensive.

I do like the idea of putting a fence on top of the wall but I don't love the colour of the existing wall, everything looks really tired and I just think painting it will be constant upkeep. Would the foundations have to be removed to put fence panels up?

The fence posts will need to be put into the ground, so foundations will need to be removed at those points but I don’t think you need to remove the rest.

We have the same wall in our front garden and it’s on the list for demolition! Please don’t paint it, then you just have an ugly wall with peeling paint, especially if you paint round the bushes without pruning first!

I’d keep the short wall and top with a fence.

Thanks Vicky, yes I agree painting is not an option! It's so ugly and it won't fix the privacy issue. I don't like the short wall either but will have to investigate costings of getting the whole thing removed!

Before you do anything, is it your wall to take down?

And if not, do the neighbours like it?

If it is not your wall and the neighbours don't like it, ask to split the cost for a new fence.

Do not keep the lower part and panel between the pillars as these will not support a solid fence panel.

Hi AGI,

Yes definitely our wall. I think the neighbours don't mind it, but as it's our wall we definitely want to change it. 

Thanks for the tip. I don't like any part of the wall so wouldn't be keeping any of it. My 2 options were removal and fencing or removal and a new red brick wall.