Update on graffiti incident on Chester’s historic City Walls

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working closely with partner organisations following the recent graffiti attack on Chester’s internationally significant City Walls.

The response involves heritage specialists, conservation experts and law‑enforcement agencies to ensure that the removal process is thorough, safe and does not cause any damage to the fragile ancient stonework.

A professor from the University of Chester, working with Cheshire Police on a heritage crime recording project, has been documenting the incident in detail. Each individual piece of graffiti is being recorded as part of an evidence‑gathering process to support the ongoing investigation.

Weather permitting, recording work will be completed this week. So far, nine affected areas have been identified, with 67 individual stones impacted.

Cheshire Police investigations are continuing to identify those responsible. The Council is also working with Historic England, which is advising on appropriate cleaning and conservation methods given the national significance and vulnerability of the City Walls.

Historic England approval is required before any graffiti removal can begin, including agreement of the techniques and a sequence of trials to ensure the stone is not harmed.

Specialist conservators from Chester Cathedral’s Works Department have already undertaken successful preliminary cleaning tests on paving samples in their workshop. They are now conducting tests on sandstone samples that match the material used in the City Walls.

This careful testing phase is essential to identify a technique that removes paint effectively without damaging the historic fabric. If the method is approved, small test areas on the walls themselves will be trialled for final sign‑off before full-scale removal begins.

Timescales will depend on the outcome of Historic England’s assessments, but all partners are prioritising the work and are aware of the urgency of returning the walls to their proper condition.

Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said:

“We fully understand the public concern and frustration at seeing graffiti on a much‑loved and irreplaceable part of Chester’s heritage. We are working closely with Historic England, heritage crime specialists from the University of Chester and Cheshire Police to record and investigate this incident thoroughly.

“Conservation experts from Chester Cathedral’s Works Department are now testing cleaning techniques that will not damage the fragile sandstone. This process must be done carefully and correctly, but everyone involved is treating it with the highest priority. We will keep residents updated as the work progresses.”

Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available:

Chester City Walls | Cheshire West and Chester Council