COUNCIL chiefs have spent £32,000 on anti-terrorist barriers for Christmas events in Worcester this year.

The Surface Guard barriers were installed in Cathedral Square ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday and will also be in the city centre for the Victorian Market later this month.

The barriers, which can stop a 2,500kg vehicle travelling at 30 miles-per-hour, are designed to thwart ramming attacks, such as the one on London Bridge last year.

David Blake, managing director of Worcester City Council, said: "Our top priority is to ensure that visitors are safe as they enjoy traditional Christmas events in the city

“Although we are not aware of any specific threats to Worcester, we are putting these barriers in place as an extra precaution, as we did last year. There is no need for concern or alarm.”

The council installed similar road blocks, supplied by a different company, at last year's Victorian Fayre at a cost of £20,075.

Worcester City Council said it had to pay more for the barriers this year because they were installed in Cathedral Square for the Christmas lights switch-on.

They were not used at the 2017 switch-on as it took place outside the Guildhall, where the security risk was deemed to be lower.

The council chose to go with a different company, Stadium TM, for this year's barriers after a competitive tender process.

The spokesman said: "Advice was sought from West Mercia Police and the most effective security system for these particular events was selected. Safety was the overriding consideration."

The Surface Guard barriers blocked road access into Cathedral Square on Thursday night.

They will also be in The Cross, Broad Street, Copenhagen Street, Trinity Street, Friar Street, Charles Street and Angel Place from November 28 to December 3, for the Victorian Fayre.

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