As the Member of Parliament for Chester North & Neston, I’m proud to represent a city steeped in history, and nothing symbolizes this more than our iconic City Walls. These ancient fortifications have stood for nearly 2,000 years, witnessing Chester’s transformation from a Roman city to what we know and love today. But as with all cherished historical landmarks, the City Walls are not merely a relic of the past—they represent a living history, one that we must protect and preserve for future generations. 

The walls, which encircle the city centre for just over two miles, offer visitors and residents a tangible link to Chester’s layered past. Built initially by the Romans as a defensive structure, they were extended and modified by the Normans and the medieval citizens of Chester. Walking the walls offers a unique vantage point, not just of the city itself, but of how different periods of history have shaped it. Whether you’re overlooking the ancient amphitheatre, the stunning cathedral, or the River Dee, Chester’s City Walls tell a story at every turn. 

While the walls have long been a beloved feature of our city, it’s important to recognise the responsibilities we have to maintain them. These ancient structures are facing the same challenges as any historical site: the pressures of time, weather, and modern development. Our task, as stewards of this heritage, is to ensure the walls remain safe, accessible, and well-preserved for future generations. 

Over the past few years, significant investment has been made in their restoration, but there is still more work to be done. In 2020, a section of the wall collapsed near the Eastgate clock, a devastating blow to such an historic monument. I walked around the city walls with the local walls campaign group in January this year and it highlighted the passion that people of Chester have for such a special monument. Like many others, I was pleased to learn recently that Cheshire West and Chester Council have approved repair works to this site. It is a very complicated project and will take a substantial amount of time to be completed, but I recognise it is vital that the work is done with care and to an exceptionally high standard so that in another 2000 years the walls are still standing. 

It impossible to understate the cultural and economic importance of the City Walls. They are not just a historical asset: they are central to Chester’s identity and a key driver of tourism, which is vital to our local economy. Every year, millions of visitors come to Chester, drawn in part by the opportunity to walk these ancient paths. It is our duty to ensure that these visitors, as well as residents, can continue to enjoy the walls for generations to come. 

To this end, I will continue to advocate for additional funding and support from both the national and local government to ensure the walls are maintained. We must recognise that preserving our heritage is not just about looking after bricks and mortar, but about safeguarding the cultural legacy that these structures embody. As your Member of Parliament, I remain committed to this cause.

Please remember, if you need help or support on any issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk or 01244 343 229.