ANTI-TERRORISM measures are being introduced outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.
Bollards will be placed on the paving on Waterside in October following a number of terrorist attacks across Europe in which cars and lorries have been used to kill and maim.
The latest suspected attack in Westminster on Tuesday (August 14) saw a former Coventry University student Salih Khater who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three people were injured when a car crashed outside the House of Commons.
The six month trial placement of the bollards between the Sheep Street and Chapel Lane turn off aim to prevent vehicles being able to mount the pavement outside the world-famous theatre.
The move will also see Sheep Street made one way from Waterside, and a chicane will be installed at the bottom of Chapel Lane to reduce the speed of vehicles.
Bollards were raised permanently on Henley Street, which leads to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, following the devastating Manchester Arena bombing last year which killed 23 people.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which looks after the five Shakespeare properties, also introduced bag checks and security patrols across the family homes and ‘significantly upgraded’ security cameras.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has also operated bag checks for those attending performances since March.
Commenting on the new bollards, a Warwickshire County Council spokesperson said: “The council is seeking to work in partnership with a range of other agencies to help ensure the continuing safety of Stratford as safe place for residents and visitors.
“The measures proposed relate to the heightened general level of threat which has been experienced nationally for some time now, although it is to be stressed that there in no specific intelligence around risks to the town.”
A consultation will be held for the public to have their say on the new safety measures, and a meeting organised by Stratforward BID took place on Wednesday (August 15) to discuss the matter with businesses which could be impacted by the changes. The move will also mean the Sunday Waterside market moving to Bridge Street.
Stratforward director Joe Baconnet said: “We are trying to get the best outcome and ensure changes are communicated effectively and for us to see what works and what the changes will mean, but there was a general level of acceptance around the need for the scheme.
“The recent incident London has highlighted the real need to deliver things for safety and protection and for what is a police response to a national threat.”
