THE current lockdown has proved an opportune time for street improvement works to be carried out in the heart of Chester city centre.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Highways team has completed the first phase of paving improvements while the city centre is quieter than normal due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The work on the pavements in Foregate Street has been progressed during lockdown to minimise inconvenience to businesses and passers-by.

The council’s Highways contractor Ringway adapted existing equipment to create an innovative method of laying the paving stones while maintaining a two metre social distancing gap between staff.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “The work completed so far looks wonderful.

"Around 225m squared of new stone paving has been laid while maintaining access to a nearby building society which remained open throughout this first phase. Our teams spoke daily to the building society staff and assisted their customers as they approached and queued.

“The new piece of equipment to ensure social distancing is both practical and innovative. I’d like to pass on my thanks to our teams for all their hard work.”

Phase 2 of the works will now continue outside Primark.