The wall is red brick but has been painted. Now the paint is flakes and the wall needs pointing.
Sandblasting has been suggested but I'm wondering if this is a great idea since it is going to be repainted anyhow.
I suppose it is easier than brushing
manually.
So, sandblasting good idea or bad idea?

Depends whether removing the face of the bricks concerns you.

I hope someone can help however in my experience you will not remove paint from porous surfaces like this satisfactorily.