Further terror measures for city centre revealed
The next steps for security proposals that could see vehicle access limited in Bath to protect against terrorism have been revealed.
Measures backed by police chiefs could see all parking, including for blue badge holders, removed from a secure zone and road access limited to prevent vehicle attacks.
Concrete barriers are already in place but could be replaced later this year with a series of static and moving bollards intended to fit with Bath’s character.
Residents were given more time to respond to the consultation in January after only 200 people took part, but now more than 500 responses have been received by the council.
The next steps involve an ‘access specialist’ reviewing the responses and liaising with local groups to lessen the impact of the measures.
The National Register of Access Consultants adviser will also work with the Bath and North East Somerset Council’s independent equalities advisory group and the active travel and accessibility forum.
Views will also be gathered from a panel representing members of the community and local accessibility organisations, organised by the council’s equalities team.
Together they will then recommend a package of measures to mitigate the impact of the scheme.
There have already been claims that the measures will leave disabled residents “trapped” by “draconian” measures and others have said it is “anti-motorist” and “madness”.
Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for transport services, said she wanted people to understand the rationale behind the restrictions, saying the council is “duty-bound” to respond to police advice.
She said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and I want to reassure people that we will listen to businesses and residents, and especially people with restricted mobility.
“However, I am also asking people to understand the rationale behind the proposed restrictions. We know from experience that the crowded spaces and places where so many of us live, work and enjoy are the very places that could be targeted.
“Although the national terrorist threat level was recently reduced from severe to substantial, that still means that a terrorist attack in the country is likely and the threat level could change at any time, so we are duty-bound to respond to the police advice.
“This means the safety and security of the city centre is something we have to take very seriously and cannot ignore. We accept the proposals put forward do impact on people’s everyday lives but we will work with residents, business and disability groups to mitigate against these as much as we can.
“Our next steps involve working with an access specialist to listen to local groups and other key local stakeholders, including The Abbey Residents’ Association.
“We have already had a constructive meeting with the Federation of Bath Residents Associations and I want to thank FOBRA for meeting councillors and officers to collectively consider the importance of making the city as safe as possible.”
Alongside the council, Avon and Somerset Police have re-emphasised the need for robust measures.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Counter terrorism security advisers have been working with Bath and North East Somerset Council for many years on a package of measures which enhance security in Bath and which help to prevent potential terror attacks.
“Recently, our CTSAS asked the council to put in proportionate measures to protect areas of the city which attract high footfall during peak times.
“I’d like to reassure people the request isn’t based on any specific intelligence relating to any threat to the city but is based on the known national risk of terrorism and that crowded places are potential targets.
“We understand integrating these protective security measures is a significant challenge but we support the proposed plans as we feel they better protect the many hundreds of thousands of people who live, work and visit the city every year.
“As ever, our long-standing advice for people is to always remain vigilant, be alert to any suspicious activity and to contact us with any concerns.”
The council has been working closely with the police on the plans to “further strengthen city centre access restrictions and install new purpose-designed street furniture which will provide permanent enhanced safety for people in areas of high footfall”.
The council and police have developed a proposal that seeks to provide “proportionate” improved security while not harming business.
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Along with the chief constable, I want to reassure local people that these proposed changes are not based on specific intelligence relating to a terrorist threat to the city.
“Instead, the plans are a result of years of partnership working between the CTSAS and local council to ensure proactive, protective measures are in place to keep local people, visitors and businesses safe.
“I know these plans propose big changes for Bath city centre, but it is important that we listen to the CTSAS and continue to put our community’s safety first.
“I encourage local people to work alongside the council regarding these plans to ensure your voice is heard.”
Cllr Wright said that following the 2017 Manchester Arena attack the Government had been asked to consider Martyn’s Law, which had five requirements, one of which was for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.
“Sadly, that is what we have to do,” she added.
“A final report will be made available in the spring and there will be a further opportunity to comment on final proposals later this year when the traffic regulations orders are advertised.
“I encourage people to check the project webpage for updates at www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ streets-and-highway-maintenance/ highway-improvements-trafficmanagement/bath-city-centre.”