Anti-terror project reassuring for city

The threat of terror looms large over Britain and Europe, and indeed the rest of the world.

So it is reassuring to learn Canterbury City Council is pulling out all the stops to keep the residents and visitors on the streets of our fine city safe. Already armed police patrol the Cathedral grounds, and temporary bollards have been used at events to protect huge crowds from the terrorist’s newest weapon - a simple vehicle driven at speed.

But now counter-terrorism police have advised the authority to bolster the city’s defences with more permanent security measures.

Such news, while potentially alarming, must be welcome in all corners of the city, as public safety is paramount, and this is recognised by those who lead the council.

Yes, businesses will have concerns about the bollards preventing deliveries between 10am and 4pm, when they will be in use.

But the simple fact is there is already a ban on vehicles using the busy city centre streets at these times, so off-diary deliveries will need to be rearranged.

We would also support calls for a quick decision to be made on extending the hours the bollards are in operation to avoid unsettling businesses.

As council chief executive Colin Carmichael says, the issue is “immensely complex”, but the needs of traders and a thriving high street will need to be balanced with public safety.

The quicker residents and businesses are consulted and the bollards installed, the better.

Also questioned, we’re sure, will be the huge sum of money being spent on the project, given it has not, unsurprisingly, been budgeted for.

But in the grand scheme of things, £800,000 is a small price to pay to make sure the city’s streets are as safe as they can be.

form of government, except for all the others, but history certainly teaches us it is a dangerous game for elected representatives to keep ignoring the will of the people.