CHESTER residents are being invited to a free conference which will put the spotlight on key issues in the city.

Chester Residents’ Associations Group (CRAG) is hosting its inaugural conference, titled ‘Chester: The Big Conversation’ at the County Long Room, Chester Racecourse on Thursday, October 5.

Sponsored by Chester Race Company Ltd, the aim of the conference is to inform and engage local residents. Opportunities and concerns will be tabled with an intensive focus on collaboration and debate with solution providers, to collectively share best practice and map out a route to achieving a quality city-centre environment that is cleaner, greener, fairer, more sustainable and better connected.

Taking place between 10am and 5pm, attendees can table questions, listen to inspiring speeches and thought-provoking panel discussions on the Chester One City Plan, policing and crime reduction, city-centre management and the future of Chester.

All speakers and panellists have confirmed including MP Samantha Dixon MBE and John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.

Formed in 2019 as an umbrella organisation, CRAG comprises over 20 residents’ groups from within – and nearby – the city walls, with the singular mission to make Chester an even better place to live, work and visit.

CRAG works with a number of local stakeholders such as Cheshire Constabulary and Cheshire West and Cheshire Council – as well as Chester BID and local businesses – to develop strategies and proposals to help address the issues identified by its members.

Mike Hogg, chair of CRAG, said: “CRAG enhances the ability of Chester residents to engage with key stakeholders at a more strategic level. We’re looking forward to being hosted by Chester Race Company in its first-class conferencing facilities and to CEO Louise Stewart formally opening the proceedings.”

Louise Stewart, CEO of Chester Race Company, added: “Chester Race Company values its relationship with CRAG as a local stakeholder and partner and is delighted to be hosting and sponsoring its first conference at Chester Racecourse.”

The event is free to attend for Chester residents. A hot buffet lunch is available at £12 per head, payable on registration. For more information, visit www.crag.uk/conference/