Nottingham erects vehicle barriers to stop terrorist attacks at summer family event

Vehicle barriers used to stop terrorist attacks have been erected at a summer family event in Nottingham.

Nottingham Beach, an annual artificial beach event in the city's Old Market Square, opened for the summer on Wednesday.

This year's event, which attracts large numbers of people during the school holidays, will be protected by Husson H-Stop barriers, designed to combat "vehicle-as-a-weapon attacks" by tipping up on impact and disrupting the vehicle's direction.

Councillor Neghat Khan, the leader of Nottingham City Council, said the barriers were an "additional safety measure", with their introduction reviewed while the event continues.

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Crowdguard, a supplier for the barrier, said the barriers tip on impact to disrupt a vehicle's forward motion and change its trajectory from "horizontal to vertical".

The wheeled barriers are designed to be installed by a single person and fold up, according to manufacturer Husson.

James Mellors, from the Mellors Group which organises the event, told the BBC the barriers were brought in for safety and reassurance.

He said: "I don't think they look very pretty. But the Market Square is a very high footfall area.

"It's not always about how things look, it's about keeping people safe."

The vehicle barriers have been used outside football stadiums, the London Marathon and the Great Scottish Run, according to Crowdguard.

Amanda Hose Hawley, who runs a salsa class at the artificial beach, said the barriers were a "sign of the climate we live in".

She added: "It's important to have something that's visible. It will reassure a lot of people."

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Mr Mellors admitted the barriers increase the cost of running the event.

He said: "You worry about any negativity, but I can't see that putting many people off. The high streets are busy anyway and people walk through them every day.

"By having additional security, people will actually feel more comfortable."

The barriers had not been installed because of a specific threat and were there on a trial basis, Mr Mellors said.

"The event organisers, the police and the city council will all hold review meetings where we'll reflect on how it's worked and what alternatives there are," he added.

Ms Khan said the safety of residents and visitors were of the "utmost importance".

She said: "The barriers have been installed following advice from the multi-agency events safety advisory group, which includes counter-terrorism colleagues.

"This additional measure at Nottingham Beach is part of the event's wider safety and security arrangements.

"The positioning of the barriers is being reviewed to ensure they provide appropriate protection while minimising the impact on access and movement around the city centre."

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