Council install Public Safety Barriers around the Low Green, Ayr in partnership with Counter Terrorism Policing

South Ayrshire Council has been working in partnership with Counter Terrorism Policing to enhance public safety at large-scale events.

With the UK terrorism threat level remaining at 'substantial' and with pedestrianised areas often targeted during attacks, the police suggest that large-scale events have measures in place to stop a vehicle from being driven into a crowd. While this is an unlikely scenario, the frequency of these attacks across Europe and in London make it a wise precaution.

As part of a national Counter Terrorism Policing trial - Operation Rosette 2, public safety barriers have been provided to South Ayrshire Council free of charge, to test their suitability for longer-term installation. These have been installed around the Low Green in Ayr and can be found on The Esplanade, Wellington Square and Bath Place. The Council is looking at options to either paint or provide suitable coverings for the barriers when they are not in use.

Given the number of visitors to the area during popular events such as the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight, the police identified South Ayrshire as a suitable trial zone for these enhanced public safety measures. Barriers are also in place in other towns and cities in the UK.

Jane Bradley, Director of Communities and Transformation at South Ayrshire Council said: "It is our ambition to grow the number of events held in South Ayrshire as they encourage tourism and boost the local economy. We are committed to ensuring that events attract as many people as possible, while ensuring that public safety is paramount.

"The Low Green is an ideal venue for large scale events which attract thousands of visitors. While the multiple entry points to the Low Green make it an attractive, accessible event space, this accessibility may also represent a security risk. The introduction of barriers is essential to mitigating the possibility of vehicles being used in attacks on the public.

"While temporary barriers were used previously, these new barriers are more robust and cost-effective.

"This is a trial period; we will continue to gather feedback on the barriers while they are in place.

A Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson said: "It's really positive to see partners such as South Ayrshire Council being proactive in their planning and discussions relating to public safety. Everyone has a role to play in protecting their communities, and local authorities are a key part in the defence against a whole range of threats."