'These buildings look so historic.'

A phrase I heard last week, as I paced past a young couple on my way to WHSmiths on Foregate Street in Chester.

It sums up a feeling that I've had for some time: Chester should be the historic capital of the north-west.

Growing up around Chester, it was felt that we were on a par with a York or Bath. While Chester was recently voted the most welcoming place in the UK, according to Booking.com, we aren't very good at promoting ourselves (with the exception of Chester Zoo).

I think many would agree that we are nowhere near York or Bath today.

Yet, we have the largest amphitheatre that has so far been uncovered in Britain. If this was in a European country (think Spain or France), far more would be made of it.

Adrian Waddelove, Borough Councillor for Farndon Ward, discusses Chester's falling visitor numbers and the efforts needed to boost its heritage tourism (Image via: Adrian Waddelove)

Chester was a former Roman legionary fortress, but it also has Saxon links (where the name Chester actually originates from).

Chester Castle was built in the 1200s and still stands today by the law courts.

There's a Civil War battlefield and a rich history during the Georgian and Victorian eras, as demonstrated by buildings such as the Town Hall and the second most photographed clock in the UK.

And we haven't even mentioned the Rows, which are unique to Chester and date from the medieval period.

There is nowhere, that I can think of, where any of these details are actually explained to a tourist. It seems no surprise that footfall in Chester is down.

Economic conditions are far from good, but are there any plans in place by Cheshire West and Chester Council to change this? Or are they going to watch by as more businesses fold?

Visits to Chester races are down because, amongst other things, we don't publicise they are happening. People have forgotten they exist.

We can't compare with Liverpool and Manchester for concert venues etc, but we have a long and proud heritage which is largely unrivalled.

We must show it off if we want people to come and visit us.

Chester has much to offer but we aren't good at selling what we have. That must change and the sooner the better.