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Work starts to install safety bollards in Fishergate to prevent vehicles mounting the kerb

Posted on - 28th September, 2019 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Preston City Centre, Preston News
Work starts to install safety bollards in Fishergate

Work starts on Monday to install security bollards in Fishergate to protect shoppers from vehicles mounting the kerb.

Granite blocks, which double up as seating, will replace the wooden planters which have been in situ down the main shopping street since December 2017.

The planters will be offered to local communities to brighten up local areas.

Lancashire County Council will carry out the landscaping work after consultation with Lancashire Police.

They are similar to measures used in other UK cities to deter terrorist incidents, but are not in response to a specific threat.

Read more: Taxi gets stranded on Fishergate bollard

The blocks have been designed by a specialist company to reduce vehicle access onto the pavement along Fishergate and Church Street, while matching in with the overall street design and integrating with existing security features.

Measures will also be added outside the Guild Hall, as part of other improvement work.

Organisations representing people with visual impairments have been made aware of these proposals. Lancashire Police and Preston City Council have been consulted as part of developing the plans.

County Councillor Keith Iddon, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Thousands of people come into Preston every day and we have a responsibility to make sure that they can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

“We’ve taken the time to come up with the design of these safety measures, which places these measures at specific points along the pavement to reduce the chance of an incident involving a vehicle taking place.

“We’re bringing in these safety measures based on discussions with the police, but it’s important for people to know that this not due to any specific threat. We’re replacing our planters, which were always temporary.

“It’s important that any measures are proportionate, and that we can still carry on with our normal daily lives.”

Chief Inspector Steve Sansbury from Lancashire Police, who is responsible for local policing in Preston, said “Whilst these enhanced safety measures are not in response to any specific threat towards our communities in Preston, it is only right and proper that local agencies continually work together to review the measures that are in place, and where appropriate take sensible steps to ensure that the public utilising the city centre, for both business and pleasure, are as safe as possible”

Read more: ‘It’s no longer safe’ – hairdresser leaves the city after 33 years

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet member for environment at Preston City Council, said: “The public realm improvements to Fishergate and Church Street over recent years have vastly enhanced the environment for visitors to Preston.

“They will further improve pedestrian safety for those enjoying the shopping offer and night time economy, or for those just passing through the area.

“I am pleased that the materials to be used will be sympathetic to those used previously and that a balanced and proportionate approach is being taken to where the new features will be installed.”

What do you think of the new security blocks? Let us know in the comments section.

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Preston in pictures REFLECTIONS .... Whilst most sleep, this is what Preston Dock Marina looks like at 06.30 on a still summers morning. 6-7-13 (lens at 18mm) ©Preston. Junction of Powis Road - Watery Lane 1981 with the Docks in the background. ©Prestons Iconic 1960's Bus Station pictured in 1981, 12 years after opening, looking at the Ribble Bus Co. side from Ringway. ©St Pauls Church, Preston transforms into Red Rose Radio Preston in 1981. ©Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Rd Dull summer day 1981. ©Ringway Preston on a dull summer day in 1981. ©Class 390 Avenham Park, PrestonM6 Motorway Preston looking south summer 1984 © View more
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