Anti terror barriers put back up in York

They are there to stop attacks at the Christmas market

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 16th Nov 2022

Barriers are being put up in York today to stop terrorists driving up and attacking the Christmas Market. St Nicholas Fair opens tomorrow in the City Centre. The barriers will be staff 7 days a week, from 10.00am to 7.00pm for the duration of the Christmas Market from Thursday 17 November to Friday 23 December.

The City Council says the event will still be accessible to those in a wheelchair or on a mobility scooter. In a statement it says 'The locations and installation dates for temporary counter terrorism barriers have been shared with disability access groups, city centre residents and businesses. Work has also taken place in the run up to the festive period to address access issues raised during the operation of the measures last year. This includes the installation of additional temporary dropped kerbs by the temporary safety barriers.'

North Yorkshire Police warn "we can't be complacent"

In a statement Chief Inspector Chris Brumfitt from North Yorkshire Police said: "“We have seen incidents of hostile vehicle attacks both in the UK and internationally in recent years and we can’t afford to be complacent.

“Like many cities across the UK, we are taking appropriate steps to prepare for events over the festive period. Alongside other activities, the barriers are a proportionate, precautionary measure to help protect the public in areas of high footfall."

The temporary barriers will be in operation till 3 January 2023. In the new year, the temporary barriers will be replaced with permanent, sliding and fixed bollards. These will be similar to those installed in cities including Chester and Newcastle to combat the threat of ‘vehicle as weapon attacks’, like those seen in Liverpool, Toronto, London and Nice.

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