The news that walkers of Chester’s historic City Walls are now able to whip out their plastic to make donations towards the attraction’s £600,000 annual upkeep has divided opinion.
Contactless payment devices will be set up at the amphitheatre, King Charles’ Tower and Newgate Tower as part of a three-month trial to encourage visitors and locals to contribute towards the Walls’ maintenance if they wish.
Guy Butler, chair of the Chester Growth Partnership, said that introducing the voluntary donation system is a ‘great way’ to ensure that people can still enjoy Chester’s heritage for free.
The scheme – which launches today (August 3) – has generated mixed feelings among Chronicle readers.
In the positive camp is Carolyn Anne, who wrote on the Chronicle’s Facebook page: “Great idea, same principle as a donation box in a museum.”
Stephen Hughes has also praised the concept, but with the caveat ‘as long as it stays voluntary’.
Max Bailey pointed out that visitors pay to walk around the walls in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.
Magic fairy dust?
“I don’t see the harm in seeking donations,” he said. “No-one seems to mind that the cathedral does it. But then, we could just pay for the upkeep of thousands-year old walls with the magic fairy dust that people seem to think exists.”
But some people have raised concerns regarding the security of the payment technology.
James Court wants to know what safeguards are in place to stop someone accidentally making a donation with their card when they stop near one of the contactless devices.
While Gábor Mónus said he ‘certainly’ would not trust an unmanned device left out in the open.
Cllr Louise Gittins, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, has emphasised the importance of exploring new investment methods to ensure the Walls are safe for the 2.5million people who enjoy them annually.
But Dan Walker believes the maintenance costs should be covered by ‘local council, Government grants, national heritage funds and schemes – not the tourists who have already chosen to spend their time and money here’.
Ali Salmon agrees: “The voluntary part would open the door for charges. The walls have needed constant repair and maintenance since they were built and taxes have always covered it.
“Why can we no longer afford it? Why turn something that everyone can enjoy into a money spinner when it is our heritage?”
Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is running the scheme in partnership with Marketing Cheshire and Big Heritage, say its success will be evaluated when the three months are up.
What do you think about the scheme? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ChesterChron.
