Sections of Chester’s City Walls will be closed for seven months as conservation specialists begin vital work aimed at protecting the future of the scheduled ancient monument.

Starting in September, the project will also involve restoration work on the 18th century Eastgate Bridge and its world-famous clock, built by public subscription to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Britain’s second best-known clock behind Big Ben will be scaffolded and completely encased in protective plastic while metal workers carry out restorations to sections of its ornamental ironwork which are beginning to show the effects of the ravages of time.

Masons will repair sections of damaged sandstone on the Eastgate – built by Lord Grosvenor in 1768-9 to replace the original Medieval main entrance to Chester damaged by Cromwell’s troops.

And, during the facelift, heraldry on the bridge – including the arms of the County Palatine Richard Grosvenor, and the sword of justice and three sheaves will be re-gilded.

North of the Eastgate, a section of the walls – excavated internally and propped since 2010 - when it was found that the outside sections were moving , will be permanently stabilised with sandstone masonry to replace the temporary polystyrene backfilling.

A further section of the wall needs to be investigated by archaeological excavation and a design solution for repair work submitted to English Heritage for Scheduled Monument Consent.

To the south of the Eastgate a length of the walls requires diversion of the existing drainage, improvement of that system, waterproofing and masonry repairs.

While the phased work continues there will be a small pedestrian diversion in place re-routing the City Walls walk along St Werburgh Street and along Bell Tower Walk.

Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member, culture and economy, said: “The City Walls embody two thousand years of our history. They are also one of Chester’s major visitor attractions and it is vital that we preserve them for future generations.”