Concrete bollards set to be in place at Birmingham's Christmas Market
Concrete bollards will be in place at Birmingham's Christmas Market, as it was announced security will be heightened at festive events across the UK to prevent terror attacks.
Bosses at Birmingham City Council confirmed that they were working alongside West Midlands Police and have 'agreed' security measures for the return of the annual event on November 16.
It comes as concrete bollards in pedestrianised areas are set to be installed across the country for the festive period to prevent an attack similar to the one in Berlin last year, which killed 12 people.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “Our officers are working alongside colleagues from West Midlands Police on this year’s annual Frankfurt Christmas Market . As part of this, security measures have been agreed, including hostile vehicle mitigation, which will be installed at a number of locations before the market opens next month.
“Police will be working closely with our market security staff to share information on a daily basis. It is a busy time of year for the city and we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone who visits Birmingham over the festive period.”
It was reported that The Telegraph was told that the Local Government Association has warned councils to be 'vigilant', and has encouraged them to follow government guidance in protecting areas susceptible to mass casualty atrocities.
The current terror threat level in the UK is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Barriers were put in place on three of London’s bridges in the aftermath of June’s terror attack, where a van left the road and drove into pedestrians.
Earlier this year, concrete blocks were also installed outside West Midlands Police's Birmingham HQ Lloyd House to potentially prevent terrorists from ramming into the building.
Police forces have also suggested armed officers could be stationed around the markets during festivities, depending on the terror threat level.
In London, the Metropolitan Police Service warned the public may notice additional safety measures around Christmas markets, such as Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
Increased security measures have also been confirmed for Southampton, Hampshire, where a city council spokesman confirmed concrete bollards are to be installed ahead of the Christmas market opening on November 11.
