In an effort to protect the bustling city of Bath, a multimillion-pound project known as the Bath City Centre Security scheme has been underway for the past two years. This initiative has involved the permanent restriction of vehicles in certain central streets since January 1, 2022, with the goal of safeguarding the city’s most heavily trafficked areas from potential vehicle-based terrorist attacks. As the final phase of works commences, the focus shifts to Lower Borough Walls, where a five-month construction schedule has been outlined. The envisioned zone aims to restrict vehicle access to the city center during peak hours, effectively mitigating the risk of attacks in areas frequented by tourists.
While pedestrian and wheelchair access will be upheld during the construction, cyclists and authorized vehicles will be rerouted via Hot Bath Street, where sliding bollards have already been installed. Despite the anticipated enhancement of city safety, there remains a degree of skepticism. A contributor expressed doubts in a recent letter to the Bath Chronicle, questioning the value of the substantial £7m investment in the project.
Full Letter:
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Safety First with £7m Ring of Steel
The completion of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s £7m-plus ‘Ring of Steel’ anti-terrorist project in the city centre is a fascinating development. While it may instill a sense of security in all of us, concerns linger. I only hope that terrorist organizations have provided guarantees against bombing Milson Street, New Bond Street, or High Street, and have committed to refraining from bringing Portable Explosive Devices into Bath’s protected area.
Gerry Jones
Bath