Businesses on Chester's historic Rows are being asked to remove 'unauthorised signage' by the end of the month.

Cheshire West and Chester Council recently installed a series of heritage signs on the entrances to Chester's Rows. The project, funded by Chester BID, is part of a series of conservation and improvements to the Rows.

Citing an an increase in 'unauthorised and criminal activity on the Rows', the council has reported businesses displaying advertisements and completing work on listed buildings 'without consent'.

Businesses on the Rows, who continue to display a banner, an A-Board or other forms of signage 'without the necessary legal consent' have been contacted by the council.

Any business displaying 'unauthorised signage' is being asked to remove it by the end of October.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has also requested once the unauthorised signage is removed, it is not displayed again.

It has been revealed that any A-Boards still on display after this date will be removed. Any remaining signage or banners will trigger legal proceedings by the council.

Cheshire West and Chester Council recently installed a series of heritage signs on the entrances to Chester's Rows (Image via: Cheshire West and Chester Council)

A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "The council needs to ensure that signage in the city centre is dealt with in a fair and consistent manner to ensure that some businesses are not given an unfair advantage by using illegal signage.

"In the letter, the council's planning team also invite discussions in relation to finding permanent signage solutions, especially for businesses at Row level that do not benefit from any existing signage visible from the street level."

Cllr Stuart Bingham said: "In the past we have advised businesses to remove signage and this has been done.

"However, we then find the signage being re-installed. As the use of this signage escalates it has a detrimental impact on the character of the city and the Rows themselves.

"There is a claim that without unauthorised signage businesses would suffer, however this ignores the damage to the city's appearance and reputation.

"If all the historic rows were obscured by signage this would reduce the very reason Chester is such an attractive place to live, work, learn and visit.

"Their uniqueness also creates challenges, including highlighting which businesses are on the upper level. The new signage will now help with navigating the Rows and promoting the businesses."

Any businesses requiring additional support can contact [email protected].