Security bollards replaced for big lights switch-on

WORK has started to replace the bollards restricting access to Broadgate after months of controversial alternatives.

A previous set of ‘rise and fall’ bollards were damaged during RAF centenary celebrations in July and removed.

Since then the gap has been filled with various council vehicles, including a hired van and a minibus, to prevent unauthorised access to vehicles.

However workmen have now been spotted at the Trinity Street entrance to Broadgate signalling some progress.

A council spokesperson previously said that parking vehicles at Broadgate had “no impact on service users”, but alternative security measure has been installed in time for the Christmas lights switchon later this month.

Workmen have arrived at Broadgate to install bollards at the Trinity Street entrance, though these will not be a permanent measure.

Instead, new rise and fall bollards, which will allow controlled vehicle access in and out of Broadgate from both Trinity Street and High Street, will be installed though according to the council, these have been delayed until “well into 2019”.

It is believed that the delay comes as a result of manufacturer issues.

The temporary bollards have been described as meeting “latest industry standards”, and will be relocated elsewhere in Coventry city centre once the permanent bollards are ready.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Events, said the work would be completed before the Christmas lights switch-on on November 21. He said: “The safety of shoppers and visitors to the city centre has always been our main priority which has led to the temporary measures being in place.

“Finding a final solution to the issue has taken longer than we would have wanted for reasons outside of our control, which was the reason for the temporary measures.

“But it was important that this work will all be completed before the Christmas lights switchon when we expect to once again have thousands of people in Broadgate for another wonderful family event.

“Delivery of the new rise-and-fall bollards for have been delayed meaning we have decided on this temporary solution for Trinity Street but these will not be wasted, as we will use them elsewhere.”

Earlier this year, concrete blocks were installed at the walkway entrances to Broadgate, at both Cross Cheaping and Ironmonger Road.

These are also in the process of being replaced, with permanent bollards going into place at both of these locations.

With the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on November 21, Broadgate is likely to be busy with construction with work also continuing at Cathedral Lanes.