Local MP invites the Prime Minister to walk and support the Chester Walls

Samantha Dixon, MP for the City of Chester, has called on the Prime Minister to support the upkeep of the Chester City Walls during today’s Prime Minister’s Questions.

She said:  

“Chester’s 2000-year-old Roman walls are an important historic monument of world renowned. 

“Will the PM join me in Chester to walk the walls and explore how the Government can support the upkeep of these important structures?” 

The Prime Minister Responded:  

“ I join the Honourable Lady in paying tribute to the history of her local community and I'm pleased that the City of Chester is benefiting from so much investment from the Conservative Government so that it can maintain its local infrastructure.” 

Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. The Chester City Wall is a Scheduled Monument of national and international importance and is also Grade I/II* listed.   

Cheshire West and Chester Council is the freehold owner of Chester’s City Wall and its steps, bridges gates and towers and their current upkeep come out of the council’s highways budget.  

Commenting on the issue and her question to the Prime Minister, Samantha added:  

“The Chester Walls are an important part of not only Chester’s but Britain’s history. They are one of the main drivers of tourism in our city. Like many Cestrians, I am proud of our heritage and the historic identity of our city. 

“The upkeep of the walls is currently funded from the Council’s highways budget, and although they have faced extremely tough times with around £500 million cuts from central government, they continue to invest and pursue every avenue available to ensure that the City Walls, an internationally recognised heritage asset is preserved and maintained to the highest standard. 

“But I do think extra support is required so I hope the Prime Minister will take me up on my offer to visit Chester and see the walls and all the other heritage and history our beautiful city has to offer.”  

Pictured - Samantha Dixon, MP for the City of Chester.