LATE-night revellers have been using historic Chester Cathedral as a toilet following a night out.
Cathedral constables were disgusted when they watched more than 50 people use the historic precincts as a public toilet in just four nights.
CCTV captured men and women urinating within the cathedral walls, with the Grade II listed Northgate archway leading to Abbey Square being worst hit.
Head constable Chris Jones approached the police for help tackling the problem and 14 people are now facing court appearances as a result of a joint operation.
Officers from Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team worked alongside the cathedral constables, who are responsible for protecting the historic site, over two nights.
Operation Kazoo was executed between 11pm and 4am last Friday and Saturday with offenders including students, managers, aircraft engineers and even a tennis coach.
Sgt Andy Burrage, heritage crime lead at Chester Inner NPT, said: “Our city is a historical city and the protection of the very fabric of it is on the agenda of the Inner NPT and the wider force.
“Not only is public urination anti-social and criminal conduct, the corrosive effect of urine on these buildings is substantial and why this operation is in place.
“There really is no excuse. Each and every bar and restaurant in the city has a toilet. Those who decide to ignore that and use our streets and doorways as a lavatory can expect prosecution and fines upwards of £300.”
Cathedral constables used CCTV to catch offenders in the act before relaying the information to special constables waiting in an unmarked car in Abbey Square.
Mr Jones said: “The Cathedral Constabulary at Chester looks after the security and wellbeing of the cathedral and has been busy reducing anti-social behaviour around the estate.
“The recent introduction of CCTV through kind donations has made a difference in combating crime and anti-social behaviour.”
The operation was part of Chester Inner NPT’s wider commitment to tackling heritage crime in the city.
Working with the council, officers have also taken action to target revellers who have been damaging the world-famous Rows by urinating on the wooden structures.