MARKETS SECURITY A LOAD OF BOLLARDS
Crush fears from blocks
COUNCILS using cheap concrete blocks to safeguard Christmas markets from truck terror attacks are putting shoppers’ lives at risk, according to a security expert.
The budget barricades slide on impact and could crush people if vehicles are driven into them.
They also stop the flow of pedestrians and crowds trapped outside the barriers become easy targets.
Councils should fork out for purpose-built, counter-terror security systems such as surface-mounted bollards or barriers designed to stop truck attacks.
Gavin Hepburn, managing director of security firm ATG Access, said vehicles have become the terrorists’ weapon of choice and Christmas markets are “prime targets”.
He said: “Many local authorities are choosing to protect their markets with basic blocks. Their design restricts the flow of pedestrians which can cause crowding.
“Not only does this leave those queueing outside vulnerable to attack but some of these blocks slide on impact, which would create a crushing effect for those on the inside.”
Meanwhile, a report last night revealed terror attack survivors are being forced to pay for their own treatment or wait months for appointments after being let down due to a “crisis” in mental health. The paper – published by Survivors Against Terror – is based on a survey carried out to assess the support offered in the wake of atrocities.
Ruth Murrell, injured in the Manchester Arena attack, said: “I was told a referral to mental health services would have a waiting time of nine to 12 months.
“I had to go private at £85 an hour to get the support I needed.”