Volunteers show their love for Chester in new tidy-up campaign

26 April 2012

More than 80 benches on The Groves have been given a makeover, thanks to a new campaign to spruce up the city centre.

A group of volunteers from Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH), the Skills Junction Flip Programme and Chester Renaissance Board spent two mornings oiling the benches to prepare them for the summer season.

The event, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council's Streetscene team, marked the launch of Chester Renaissance's 'We Love Chester' campaign.

The campaign has been developed in response to feedback from the One City Plan consultation highlighting city centre areas that could benefit from a tidy-up.

Issues identified include weeds, litter in hard to reach areas, peeling paint from street furniture, inconsistent signage and eyesores such as overgrowth from buildings.

Chester Renaissance is now working with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to identify how these could be addressed through partnership working.

Chester Renaissance Chairman, Steven Broomhead, said: "We Love Chester is a direct response to comments from local residents and businesses who feel that a little housekeeping in some areas of the city centre would make a big difference.

"The campaign is an excellent opportunity to strengthen links between local organisations and the community and demonstrate the pride we all have in Chester."

A programme of action days is currently being drawn up for areas including Grosvenor Park, Water Tower Gardens, the Cathedral surroundings and the canal towpath.

The volunteer teams will be easily recognisable thanks to high-visibility vests bearing the We Love Chester logo.

Local Councillor Samantha Dixon said: "I would like to thank the volunteers who helped at The Groves and made the first We Love Chester event such a success.

"Such was their enthusiasm that the group has told us they would like to come back to complete the remaining benches.

"It's given the campaign a really positive start and is a great example of what we are trying to achieve with the help of the local community.

"I look forward to seeing the success of future events in We Love Chester programme and the benefits it is sure to bring for our city."

Organisations involved in the campaign include Chester Voluntary Action, Chester Communities Together, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Cathedral, British Waterways, West Cheshire College, University of Chester, Cheshire Fire Service, Cheshire Police, McDonald's and The Prince's Trust.