Update on counter terrorism barriers at The Shambles
Make It York and City of York Council have worked with the National Barrier Asset Team and the Counter Terrorism Advisors from the Police.
Last updated 13th Nov 2021
The teams say the move is to review and implement improved counter terrorism barriers at The Shambles, which "will make access easier for disabled residents, pedestrians and businesses".
Counter Terrorism Advisors have confirmed that special security measures are necessary to protect people attending and working in the Christmas Markets and the visitors who come to enjoy the city during the festive season. National Barrier Asset Team provide and install the temporary barriers which meet Government safety guidelines. 
Following concerns raised by businesses on the historic street earlier this week, working together, the Council, Make It York and the Police have agreed an alternative temporary arrangement which will fit across the Shambles’ junction with Pavement and will be put in place as soon as the national team can do so.
The current temporary measures will be replaced with a different layout which will improve access for wheelchair users, allow pallet deliveries using an electric trolley system, as well as increase pedestrian flow.
Ashley Young, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Make It York, said:
"Following on from the installation of protective security barriers in the Shambles earlier this week, Make It York and City of York Council have reviewed these measures, working closely with Counter Terrorism Advisors from the Police and the National Barrier Asset Team.
"The Police have confirmed that these measures are necessary to protect the Christmas Markets, residents and visitors in the city at Christmas, however we’re pleased to have reached a workable solution to swap the current measures for a different layout that will improve access for wheelchair users, allow pallet deliveries, and increase pedestrian flows through this location."
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:
"Partnership work between safety experts and affected businesses has identified a workable, accessible and safe solution, which will suit businesses as well as pedestrians. The contractors will install the revised temporary measures as soon as they end their work supporting security at COP26 in Glasgow.
"Particularly during this busy holiday season, it’s the Council’s duty to protect the city and the many residents and visitors who will come to enjoy all that York has to offer.
"Permanent safety measures, due to be discussed by the Executive soon, will see the busiest parts of our city protected with less intrusive and more attractive counter-terrorism barriers. However, until these are in place we must do all that’s necessary to protect residents and visitors."
Make It York has written to all affected businesses and will be helping them to facilitate deliveries through the new barriers. All other barriers across the city will be staffed for emergency access throughout the Christmas market.
Permanent measures developed with Counter Terrorism and police advisers will resolve many of these issues and look so much better than the necessary but ugly temporary arrangements.