AN AMOROUS couple were given a stern talking to by police after being disturbed having sex on Chester’s historic Rows.
A man and a woman, thought to be in their early 20s, were caught in the act by a group of people who were walking down Eastgate Street Row, at about 1am on Sunday.
A witness from Chester, who did not wish to be identified, said: “I walk along the rows regularly and I have never seen anything as shocking as that.
“They were blatantly having sex in a well-lit part of the Rows. When they saw us they stopped and then they just carried on.
“I was horrified and it was lucky I wasn’t by myself.
I can’t imagine what they were thinking – it is disgusting.”
Police were alerted to the scene and officers gave the couple “strong words of advice”.
A spokesman from the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We spoke to a male and female in the early hours of Sunday morning and the matter has now been finalised.
“The incident was not on full CCTV and the couple were not seen by police in the act. They were in a loving relationship and they let drink and the moment take control of their actions.
“This is not a common occurrence on the rows in Chester which are heavily monitored by CCTV. That part of the Row is in a blind spot, however.”
Cheshire Police confirmed that they had made arrests in the past in relation to offences of outraging public decency.
“It is very rare that we do prosecute – normally the shame and embarrassment is punishment enough – but if there are questions about age or consent then arrests are made and investigated,” he added.
The incident comes after a number of people were caught urinating on the city’s historic Rows and were later taken to court to face a fine.
As an alternative to a fine, Streetscene workers have led a number of offenders through the city on a ‘walk of shame’ at 4am to watch them clear up the mess by other unruly revellers.
Council chiefs have pledged to clamp down on offenders who use the city as a giant urinal, after businessowners hit out about the problem.
Since the campaign started, more than 170 people have been prosecuted for urinating in a public place and have been fined up to £480.
Council chiefs hope the move will shame those who flout the bylaw of the Local Government Act 1972 and put a stop to their ways.
A spokesman from Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “We would encourage anyone to report anything that would be disturbing to someone else – not matter what it is.”
To report an incident call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.