TREES could soon line an important gateway leading to Chester city centre.

The boulevard feature is included in a scheme proposed on City Road designed to create what is described as “a much improved entrance to the city”.

Area highway manager Colin Stredder told Chester's highways and transportation committee at an earlier stage that four new build outs were proposed on the road linked to a further phase of footway and public space improvements.

They would require changes to waiting restrictions as each 12m buildout, two on each side of the road, would lead to the loss of two parking spaces.

City and county councillors heard the improvements would link maintenance work on the City Road footways to the major project at Chester Station.

He said “significant lengths” of the footways had already been replaced with mini flags tying in with those used at the station.

These had “significantly improved” the appearance of the busy road and had removed a number of potential trip hazards.

The four build outs, he said, together with a proposal for some tree planting, would provide much improved entrance to the city.

The trees, he suggested, “will significantly alter the character of the road”.

The restrictions were advertised for public consultation and a report to a Town Hall meeting of city highway chiefs on Thursday (January 22) says no objections have been received.

The improvements will be funded through Chester's local transport programme and by contributions from nearby developers.