Letter: Chester seen from the inside

Sir: I read with interest the article by David Nicholson-Lord which suggested that 'Chester approaches saturation point' as the tide of visitors grows (31 May).

Chester is a wonderful place and at times very busy, but by no means as crowded as your article suggests. It is very much open for business, both as a national and an international tourist destination. In fact, tourism plays an important part in the city's economy, creating 16,000 related jobs.

Chester City Council, with its private sector partners, actively promotes tourism but at the same time recognises the need to manage tourism for the benefit of both visitors and residents.

Together with our partners in the Chester Action programme, we are embarking on projects to enhance the city walls, the riverside and our historic buildings. The council is also expanding its network of park-and-ride sites and providing more pedestrianised areas in order to improve access to the city centre.

Yours faithfully,

GORDON SMITH

Lord Mayor

City of Chester

3 June