Security measures in Chester city centre

Preparations for the Christmas festivities start in Chester on 13th November, as building starts for the annual Christmas Market in Town Hall Square.

The Market will open on 19 November followed by the 12 Days of Christmas parade on 20 November officially starting the celebrations.

Enhanced security measures have been in place each year over the Christmas period. This additional security is to protect shoppers visiting the city centre, the Christmas market and shops in Chester.

Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste) said: 

“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. Apologies for any inconvenience but I’m sure people understand why these measures are in place.” 

From 19th November to 22nd December, the city centre 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 (including 23 December) and from 10.30am to 6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday. On 24th December the bollards will be closed from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

In addition, on Saturdays from 22nd November to 21st December the bollards 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 23rd December the bollards will be closed from 10.30am to 8pm.

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

Princess Street bollards will be raised in the ‘up’ position, seven days a week, from 7th November until 23rd December.

Only bridal cars attending weddings at the 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 the Storyhouse.

Retailers in the city centre should arrange for all their deliveries to be made between 6.30pm and 10.30am (Sunday to Wednesday) and between 8pm and 10.30am (Thursday to Saturday) or ask delivery drivers to park legally outside the protected zone and walk the goods into their store.

You can report suspicious activity by calling 101, 999 in an emergency, or by going to:

http://www.gov.uk/ACT

... or calling: 

0800 789 321