Important Access information

Graduation ceremonies

Due to the high number of people expected in Town Hall Square during twelve graduation ceremonies at Chester Cathedral between 5 and 8 November, there will be a full road closure from the Hunter Street junction by Storyhouse daily from 10.30am to 5pm.

Resident and business access will be maintained for those entering Abbey Square only. There will be no access beyond the Town Hall Square hut and no blue badge parking past this location.

Remembrance Sunday

The security bollards will be in place for the Remembrance Sunday commemorations on the 10 November, after which the Christmas Market will be built in Town Hall Square.

Christmas security

Enhanced security measures over the Christmas period were introduced in Chester a few years ago and are set to return this year. The additional security is to protect shoppers visiting the city centre and Christmas market and shops in Chester this festive season.

From 15 November to 23 December, the city centre’s bollards at the Town Hall Kiosk and St. John’s Street will be raised in the ‘up’ position for a longer period than usual, between 10.30am and 8pm Thursday to Saturday and from 10.30am to 6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday.

In addition, on Saturdays from 16 November the bollards by Hunter Street, opposite Storyhouse will also be closed, from 10.30am to 8pm, and on Sundays, from 12pm to 6pm, for the duration of this festive period. On 23 and 24 December the bollards will be closed from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Bridge Street and Watergate Street closure times until 8pm will remain as per normal throughout this period.

Only bridal cars attending weddings at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, funeral cars, emergency service vehicles, emergency utility works vehicles, Council waste collection, emergency lighting and highways vehicles will be allowed access into the central streets of the city during these hours.

Blue Badge holders, hotel guests, businesses, deliveries, and residents will not have access during these hours.

There is a range of alternative parking available in multi storey car parks, Hamilton Place, Frodsham Street and on roads outside the central streets for Blue Badge holders affected by this change. Blue Badge vehicles will be permitted access, Monday to Friday, to drop off at the night-time taxi rank and adjacent bays on Northgate Street opposite the Coachworks Arcade. On Saturdays, and Sundays (from 12pm to 6pm), Blue Badge vehicles will be permitted to drop off at the night-time taxi rank on upper Northgate Street next to Storyhouse.

Retailers in the city centre should arrange for all their deliveries to be made between 8pm and 10.30am or ask delivery drivers to park legally outside the protected zone and walk the goods into their store.

Added Councillor Shore: “Ensuring the safety of residents, businesses and visitors is the reason behind our security measures. Chester welcomes far more people during this period and removing vehicles from the city centre aims to make the experience far better for most people.  

“We introduced additional security measures a few years ago in addition to our cctv cameras that are monitored 24 hrs a day. All of the activities in place are reviewed before, during and after the festive period to ensure the maximum security with the minimum disruption is in place. I’m sorry for anybody that’s inconvenienced but I’m sure they will understand why these measures are in place.”

Chester Local Policing Unit Commander, Chief Inspector Paul Fegan, said: “To ensure our streets are safer for shoppers, visitors, residents, and workers, we believe it’s vital that we work closely with our partners, the local authority, and businesses.

“While the measures in place in Chester City are designed to help keep everyone safe, members of the public can also play their part by being vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t seem right.

“Our partners also help support us with Project Servator. This is a national policing tactic aimed at disrupting a range of criminal activity, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

“You may see police officers in the vicinity, carrying out Project Servator deployments, which are highly visible and unpredictable. But don’t worry, these deployments are nothing to be concerned about. If you spot a deployment, feel free to speak to an officer or find out more on the Cheshire Police website.”

You can report suspicious activity by calling  101, 999 in an emergency, or by going to gov.uk/ACT or calling 0800 789321