TRAFFIC management measures put in place in Chester city centre to help manage the initial reopening of high streets during the coronavirus pandemic are being lifted next week.

From Monday, September 28, buses and taxis will return to Frodsham Street as it reverts back to a shared space for pedestrians and vehicles.

Restrictions on Foregate street will also be removed allowing buses to once again use the bus stops.

Temporary measures had been put in place to divert buses, move the taxi rank and suspend blue badge parking on Foregate Street.

Blue badge spaces will once again be available from Monday, with taxis moving back to their original space on Foregate Street and buses able to use the bus stops, helping to improve access to the city centre.

Blue Badge holders will also be able to park in St Werburgh Street and St Johns Street, both of which were suspended on a temporary basis.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: "Many different measures have been used throughout the pandemic to keep the city centre running as near to normal as is possible.

"All measures are being reviewed to ensure they remain relevant or can be safely adapted to benefit as many people as possible.

"The priority from the start of the pandemic has been to protect residents, businesses and shoppers.

"Unfortunately, we are still living with Covid-19 and the way to stay safe and keep our businesses open is to maintain social distancing, wear face coverings and wash our hands as often as possible."