Matthew T. Dougherty

Wales

Reporter at Chester & District Standard's

Reporter for Chester and Ellesmere Port Standard. If you have a story, email: [email protected].

Articles

Celebrations as Chester receives award as one of world's most welcoming destinations

2 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

The city was named among the top ten most welcoming places on the planet – and the only UK destination – in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2025 earlier this year. Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards honour those who consistently delivery outstanding hospitality and service. Tourism leaders came together last night (Wednesday, June 4) at Chester Zoo to celebrate as Chester’s Lord Mayor received the award from Booking.com.
Countess parking charge issue likely to have affected visitors

2 days ago | leaderlive.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

The ANPR system at the Countess of Chester Hospital is causing a problem for visitors. (Image: Google) VISITORS to the Countess of Chester Hospital have been overcharged for parking. An ongoing issue with the automatic number plate registration (ANPR) system has resulted in many people being charged for a full day’s parking when they have only visited the site for a couple of hours.
Hobbycraft partnership sees Geek Retreat return to Chester

2 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Geek Retreat, is known for its welcoming spaces to play trading card games, board games and role-play games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The brand’s previous store was located in Watergate Street. Customers can shop Hobbycraft’s full product range whilst also enjoying an inclusive space where people can enjoy family-friendly events, learn to play sessions, casual and organised play.
Chester Zoo unveils stunning sculpture by world renowned artist

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Standing at 20ft tall, the ‘Celebration Tree’ depicts life’s most meaningful moments, and will raise vital funds for the zoo’s work protecting UK wildlife. The sculpture is positioned outside the historic grade II listed pub, The Oakfield, located in the heart of the zoo - once home to some of its first animals. The towering stainless steel and bronze structure is designed to grow over time as people add their own individually engraved items.
Man jailed after robbery at Crewe mobile phone shop

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Jack Wyatt (Image: Cheshire Police) A MAN has been jailed for more than two years after robbing mobile phones from a shop in Cheshire. Jack Wyatt, of Kent House Road, Beckenham, London, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday, June 2, where he was sentenced to 30 months. The 35-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to robbery. On Friday, March 7, 2025, Wyatt entered a phone store in Market Street, Crewe.
Changes to Chester through the centuries charted in new map

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Created by the University of Chester and the Historic Towns Trust, An Historical Map of Chester: Mercantile Centre & Cathedral City details the city’s evolution from Roman legionary fortress to the thriving cathedral city we see today. Dr Tom Pickles and Professor Katherine Wilson compiled the work, in collaboration with their history students, the public and stakeholders.
Chester Food & Craft Festival returns to Carriage Shed later this month

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Hosted by The Trader Markets, the event on Saturday, June 14, will bring together some of the North West’s best independent makers and creators. Handcrafted gifts, homeware, jewellery and artwork will all be on offer whether your looking for a thoughtful gift or something for yourself. Food lovers can indulge in a variety of popular street food options like Jamrock Ybz, Loaded Chips and Apollo’s Taste the Galaxy, and the event will be soundtracked by performances from talented local musicians.
Birmingham man awaits sentence after admitting to harming dog in Chester

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Chester Magistrates Court. (Image: Newsquest.) A BIRMINGHAM man will be sentenced next month after he admitted harming a dog in Chester. Usama Hassan, 22, of Eastfield Road, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 3.
Police secure closure order for Chester property linked to drug activity

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

Police secure closure order for Chester property linked to drug activity (Image: Cheshire Police) A CLOSURE order for a problem property in Chester, linked to drugs and anti-social behaviour, has been secured by Cheshire Police. The address, in Norris Road, Blacon, will be subject to a partial closure, preventing anyone other than the tenant from entering the property for three months – coming into effect on Tuesday, June 3.
Countess parking charge issue likely to have affected visitors

3 days ago | chesterstandard.co.uk | Matthew T. Dougherty

An ongoing issue with the automatic number plate registration (ANPR) system has resulted in many people being charged for a full day’s parking when they have only visited the site for a couple of hours. The hospital's car parks should be free for the first 30 minutes, with up to four hours costing £3.65, up to six hours £5.70 and up to 24 hours costing £7.80.