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.

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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”

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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.