 Operation Face-lift, a £1 m scheme designed to boost the timeless appeal of Chester's historic city Centre, was launched on Tuesday, 14 July.
Divided into three phases, Face-lift will improve the appearance, environment and safety of one of England’s leading tourist and shopping destinations.
Major features of the scheme planned by Conservative-run Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with Chester Renaissance, include:
- More Bobbies on the evening beat during the summer months of July and August.
- Increased CCTV coverage in key areas where coverage was light.
- And a massive clean up of the complete street scene façade.
Executive Member for Area and Community Services, Conservative Councillor Lynn Riley, said: "The public have told us what they want to see happen with regard to Chester city centre and with the help of our partners, we have produced a co-ordinated response which will make a lasting difference."
Council cash will enable Cheshire Police to put two extra officers on the beat each night at key times and also release support from community safety wardens during the day.
Said Chief Superintendent Tim Jackson: "The team of officers dedicated to the city centre work hard to keep Chester safe for residents, workers and visitors alike.
"These extra resources will boost their efforts at one of the busiest times of the year - an excellent example of how good partnership and consultation with the public can benefit our community."
A condition survey of the complete city centre infrastructure has produced a comprehensive scheme to improve the appearance of everything from pavements, lamposts and signage to railings and bollards.
"We will be looking at everything which affects the overall city's overall appearance down to the proliferance of street signs, re-painting faded road markings and improving floral displays," said Tory Cllr Neil Ritchie, Environment Executive Member.
"Chester's face is its fortune and we want to ensure it is looking its very best to compete with our tourism and retail sectors."
Rita Waters, Chief Executive of Chester Renaissance, said: "Chester is renowned for its unique heritage and visitor offer which attracts nearly 9 million visitors each year. However, it is a city that has room for improvement and this is a fantastic start to ensuring we grow in strength not just as a cleaner, safer more vibrant city but one that truly is a must see European destination."
"Chester needs to deliver real environmental changes which, in turn, will deliver economic and trading improvements to the city. We have listened to our traders, residents and visitors and in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester we are delighted that a comprehensive package of improvement works is being implemented within the city.
A city centre cleaning team will be complemented by a dedicated enforcement officer targeting problems like litter, fly posting and graffiti and Rows caretaker will concentrate on liason with traders and the appearance of the unique shopping galleries.
The Council, police and private sector in the form of club owners and licensees are all helping to finance installation of extra CCTV cameras - a vital aid to crime detection and prevention - on St John Street.
And work will be also be done to improve Chester CCTV Scheme’s present coverage of the Trinity Street Car Park and New Crane Street, together with the racecourse gates and car park.
Added Cllr Riley: "We regard the safety of our residence, visitors and business community as paramount and Chester CCTV is a key part in helping to achieve both safety and reassurance."
15th July 2009 | 
