Chester city centre street reopened after church wall repairs

The bottom of Northgate Street, where it adjoins Eastgate Street by Chester Cross, had been fully closed on February 10 after a wall of St Peter's Church church wall was judged to be in a potentially dangerous structural condition.

The church was also issued with a Prohibition Notice under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which has resulted in its closure until further notice due to serious and potentially dangerous structural issues.

Now, following temporary works carried out to the church, Northgate Street has been reopened to pedestrians and road traffic. Engineers have monitored the building to ensure it is safe to reopen the road.

The footpath next to the church wall remains cordoned off, but vehicular access is now possible.

Further works will be required later in the year by engineers working for the church.

In the meantime, St Peter's Church is delighted to announce that the Prohibition Order imposed by the council has been lifted and the church will be open to the public again from Sunday, March 19.

The Vicar of St Peter's, the Revd Jonathan Phillips, said: "We have worked very hard in the last four weeks to implement the remedial measures on the East Wall which were recommended by our professional advisors.

"We are very grateful to Recclesia, who have carried out the works in such a prompt, professional and diligent manner. We have kept CWAC officials informed every step of the way and are grateful that they have today lifted the restrictions imposed on 17 February.

"We look forward to welcoming people back to our services on Sunday 19th, which is of course Mothering Sunday!

"Our Cafe will be reopening on Tuesday 21st March.

"We are very excited about being able to open our doors again with our well-being groups, meals and amazing volunteer team who are eager to serve our customers and care for all those that need company, a listening ear or someone to support them. Everyone is welcome!”