A CHESTER city centre church is to remain closed while repairs take place.

Since November 2022 Northgate Street and one footpath next to St Peter’s Church wall have been closed to vehicular access due to concern about falling masonry, and on February 10 the section of road, including the pavements, was completely cordoned off.

Cheshire West and Chester Council said the church wall was judged to be in a potentially dangerous structural condition. Due to potential significant structural issues at that section of the wall, resulting in public safety concerns. and in accordance with Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the street and both footpaths were closed until further notice to protect the public.

Signage at the site reflects the closure and alternative access points to Northgate Street.

St Peter’s Church has now received a Prohibition Order from Cheshire West and Chester Council, closing the church building for the time being.

The Vicar of St Peter’s, the Revd Jonathan Phillips, said: "We remain active as a worshipping community and serving the city. We are working closely with the council to find another short-term venue.

"Building work to temporarily stabilise the eastern wall of St Peter’s Church, Chester, started on Friday, February 17, and is expected to last approximately three to four weeks.

"A recent structural survey, commissioned by St Peter’s Church and conducted by a leading conservation engineer, to assess the safety and integrity of the building, identified a need to carry out remedial works to the eastern wall. After conducting a series of careful calculations and measurements, they advised that the church building could have safely remained open to the public.

"As part of its agreement with Chester West and Chester Council, contractors undertaking the building work will continue to monitor the building as a precaution."

The Revd Jonathan Phillips added: “We’re blessed to have this wonderful church in the heart of Chester and we look forward to opening our doors again in the near future to welcome the many people who come to St Peter’s to meet friends and enjoy the hospitality we offer.”

Further structural assessments will be made following the completion of the temporary building works before a more permanent intervention can be fully considered.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member - Environment, Highways & Strategic Transport said: “The emergency closure is due to the potentially dangerous structural condition of a section of St Peter’s Church wall.

“Our officers have ensured there is a safe restricted environment, so that remedial action can be undertaken at pace to make the wall safe in association with a structural engineer commissioned by the Council and the structural engineer acting on behalf of the Church.

“We are liaising with businesses to minimise any disruption and seeking to rectify the situation as soon as possible.”

Northgate Street can still be accessed via the Rows steps by Rosie’s or around the corner on Eastgate Street.