Security measures in place to prevent terror attack at Links Market.

Event security to be beefed up in wake of recent terror attacks – while road closures begin tomorrow

Security precautions at next week’s Links Market are a measured response to recent terrorist attacks throughout Europe, it has been claimed.

Bob Young, the chairman of Fife Licensing Board, said security steps at this year’s event were understandable given the nature of attacks on populated areas in London and in continental Europe recently.

While there is not believed to be any specific threat towards the carnival, Mr Young said that protecting the public from any eventualities was a top priority.

He said: “The concern we had was somebody driving a vehicle into the market and as a result we felt it was best to have obstacles in the way.

“We know that the chances of anything happening are very, very minute but we still need to protect the public.”

It was believed concrete barriers were to be put in place over access points to prevent the possibility of a vehicle being driven into the crowds, however, Mr Young said that logistical reasons mean lorries will instead be used to close off the Esplanade.

“We need a barrier and using lorries means that they can be moved when needed. At the end of the day we want people to enjoy themselves and that’s what the Links Market should be about.”

Up to 300,000 people are expected to visit the rides and stalls that have lined the Fife town’s Esplanade every year since the 1300s.

Security for the event is expected to remain tight, with a private firm operating within the confines of the market, while police will patrol the perimeter.

Neil Crooks, chairman of Kirkcaldy area committee, said the need to increase safety was understandable.

He added: “There will be raised awareness where there are large crowds given the incidents that have happened recently, so it makes sense locally for an event this size to have a lot of stepped-up security.”

Road closures will come into effect from tomorrow.

The Esplanade will close to all traffic from its junction at Charlotte Street at the north end, to the entrance of Morrisons in the south from 10pm tomorrow and running through until 4pm on Wednesday April 26.

The market will open at 2pm on Wednesday, before opening an hour earlier for the remainder of its stay.

Shows close at 10.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 11pm on Friday and Saturday, 9pm on Sunday and 10pm on Monday.

Picture: Kris Miller. Up to 300,000 people are expected to visit Links Market which opens next week.