21 hours Ago
Anti-vehicle bollards were installed back in 2021 to boost security in Southend city centre at all access points onto the busy High Street, but were only raised during major events. However, now the bollards have been raised permanently and vehicles must have access granted via a call-through to the council’s CCTV control room. The decision to raise the bollards follows two horrendous incidents over the last month including a terror attack using a car at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany that killed six and injured at least 299 people on December 20.
Last week a vehicle attack and shooting attack in Bourbon Street, New Orleans left 15 dead including the man believed to be behind the attack. Martin Terry, Independent council member for community safety, said: “Public safety is of paramount importance. “In agreement with various stakeholders, we have introduced a new protocol for the rising bollards protecting Southend High Street.
“From 6pm on Friday January 3, the bollards have remained raised, with access managed through a call-through system connecting drivers to our CCTV control room. “This is all about security. “The recent attacks in Germany and New Orleans are a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and enhanced protection for our High Street, shoppers, and traders.
“Sadly, in the current climate, such measures are necessary to keep everyone safe.” In 2021, long-standing Southend Tory MP David Amess was killed in a terrorist attack while holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, being stabbed several times. Belfairs non-aligned councillor Stephen Aylen has praised the move for safety, noting that residents in his ward had raised the subject with him.
He said: “I raised this to the council, we put all these bollards in to stop cars and they were being left open. “They installed these bollards to protect people so no one could drive into the High Street, surely you would not spend the money if it is not a safety concern. “This will be perceived as the bollards being used and the public will see someone caring about them.
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