European feel planned for Chester Cathedral

By Naomi Penrose

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Council aim to transform the area outside of Chester Cathedral, into one of the most impressive city squares in Europe.

The project is set to cost £3m and the plans consist of replacing the grass with a stone surface, as well as getting rid of the railings. 

The removal of the railings will give the cathedral a more accessible feel for the public. It will also boost tourist visiting figures at the cathedral.

Councillor Herbert Manley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "We believe replacing the grass and railings with an attractive Yorkstone surface will create a spectacular piazza which truly reconnects the Cathedral with the city centre."

Heart has also been speaking to local business people in the area, Martin, from The Rectory Bar and Restaurant believes it's about time the cathedral was made open: "The cathedral will benefit from more visitors and I think Chester as a whole will."

To begin with, some members of the public were dubious regarding the plans, due to the reduction in greenery, from the replacement of the grass with a stone surface. However, the council has decided to retain more trees, than originally proposed, as well as vowing to plant new ones in the future, resulting in there eventually being more trees there than there is at present.

The plan is set to be given the go-ahead at a planning meeting on Tuesday (15th).