Proposed alterations to the beer garden at The Bears Paw pub have been granted listed building consent by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The planning application sought to construct timber pergolas, covered with a Perspex roof and featuring 'decorative festoons', lighting and electrical heaters in the cobbled and patio areas to the rear of the pub.

It is hoped that these changes will make the beer garden more comfortable and attractive for customers, whatever the weather.

Further enhancements include replacing the existing tarmac drinking area with a resin finish, as well as the installation of planters around the seating areas to the side of the pub building, to help screen the space from cars.

So as not to detract from the appearance of the Bears Paw's Grade II listed, seventeenth-century façade, the pergolas will be built away from the pub building, and only to the height of its guttering.

The application was welcomed by Frodsham Town Council Planning Committee and members of the public.

In an report related to the proposals, Cheshire West and Chester Council Planning Department said: "The structures would not be connected to the listed building. They would be light weight and modest in scale on an area which is currently used a part of the pub beer garden.

"If the works are carried out in accordance with the approved plans it is clear that the proposal would have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building, its setting and its features of special interest."