BAM Nuttall appointed for Chester scheme

BAM Nuttall will start work on the widening of footpaths in Bridge Street in Chester on Monday 24 January.

The nine week scheme is being funded by Cheshire West & Chester Council and Chester Renaissance.

The footways are to be widened on both sides of the street by one metre between Feathers Lane and Pepper Street, and new paving will be laid.

The council said unnecessary signs and sign posts will be removed; hard wood timber bollards will be installed, while the road will be resurfaced and drainage works will be carried out.

The first phase of the work will see the removal of the traffic island opposite Café Nero and the reconstruction of the footway between The Slug and Lettuce pub and Café Nero.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: "When completed this scheme will see significant improvements to a key gateway to the city centre. The enhancement to the pedestrian access will have benefits for residents of the city centre, visitors and businesses.

"We have worked closely with businesses and as far as possible, work will not be carried out on Saturdays."

Cllr Tom Parry added: "Obviously the whole project is weather dependent and will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption. We apologise for this but the works will substantially improve the area."

Rita Waters, chief executive of Chester Renaissance, said: "We are delighted that following discussions with traders and businesses these improvement works to the entrance to Bridge Street will enhance the area and will have a positive effect on the local economy.

"The project effectively makes this part of Bridge Street more pedestrian-friendly and compliments pavements further up Bridge Street near Watergate Street."

Cheshire West & Chester Council said for the duration of the scheme Bridge Street will be closed to all traffic between 10.30am and 4.30pm and permit traffic will run in a one way direction for its entire length with traffic running from Pepper Street to Watergate Street outside these times.

Whitefriars will also be one way for its entire length with traffic running from Bridge Street to Weaver Street.

The taxi rank between The Slug and Lettuce and Café Nero will be relocated to the lay-by adjacent to Pierpoint Lane for the duration of the works.