SAFETY for visitors to Chester has been boosted after coverage was increased to the city centre CCTV system.

New cameras have been installed on St John Street after improvements to the Chester’s Rows, Hoole, Handbridge and the Old Dee Bridge.

“St John Street is busy throughout the day and night and I am sure that installing CCTV in such a popular area will help alleviate the fear of crime,” said City Councillor Richard Lowe.

“CCTV can be a valuable tool for the police, particularly with regards to the night-time economy and its installation in St John Street is the latest in a number of measures to create a Chester that feels a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Following millions of pounds of development on St John Street with the introduction of a new hotel, restaurants and bars, Cheshire West and Chester Council have joined forces with Cheshire Police, Chester Renaissance and local businesses to deliver a CCTV system.

This is linked directly to Chester’s 24 hour CCTV Control Room where the team based there can quickly identify any concerns and alert Police or other agencies to attend.

Nick Harding, operations director of Cruise nightclub, said: “We are very pleased that CCTV on St John Street has now been installed, to join up our street with the city centre’s main system to help prevent crime and disorder in Chester.”

Inspector Ian Thorp, of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “This will allow us to respond more quickly to incidents in what has become a very busy location for the night time economy.

“There can be no doubt that the CCTV system that works alongside the city link radios in Chester city centre allows all services to work together with local businesses to keep people visiting the city safe.”