Residents take action over anti-terror barriers

A flat, light grey concrete block and a large red clamp on wheels are blocking a tarmac road. The road has a few white markings denoting parking spaces, and a single yellow line running along both sides. There is a narrow pavement on both sides of the road, with the photo taken from the pavement on one side looking across and down the street. A few people are walking in the road in the background, and there are some shops in the background lining the street.

The concrete barriers were introduced after counter-terrorism guidance from the Metropolitan Police

Gem O'Reilly
BBC Radio London

Residents living on Notting Hill's famous Portobello Road are taking legal action over a number of concrete barriers which have been installed on the street.

Last month, Kensington and Chelsea Council placed the barriers on the west London road, following counter-terrorism guidance issued by the Metropolitan Police.

However, residents and market traders argue that they were introduced without formal consultation and have left them feeling imprisoned.

The council said the temporary order was introduced to protect people and it would consult with residents over a permanent solution.

A dark blue BMW car crashed into a low, light grey concrete block. The car has hit the block in its front right corner, with damage to the bodywork on that part of the car. A few men have gathered around, with one leaning on the side of the car, and another next to the car with crossed arms. The driver's side door is open. The street is visible in the background, with a pavement running alongside the road where the crash has happened, and a Greggs bakery behind the car.Stall Owner

Residents said crashes had become a daily occurrence since the barriers were introduced

Law firm Broadfield, which represents the residents, claims the new barriers were introduced without formal consultation.

Their lawyers have sent a letter on behalf of residents to the council, expressing their intention to challenge the Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order.

As well as the barriers, vehicles have also been banned from using the road between 10:00 BST and 16:00 for either three or seven days a week, depending on the section of the street.

Locals say the measures, which were introduced over fears of vehicles being driven into pedestrians, means emergency services, delivery trucks and taxi cabs are unable to reach them.

Further concerns have been expressed by blue badge holders, who said they were unable to access the street via car.

The council said it had worked with emergency services to ensure their vehicles can get through, after paramedics were forced to park beyond the barriers and carry kit to attend to a child with breathing difficulties.

It said it had also created new blue badge bays and drop-off areas in side streets.

A man is standing in the centre of the frame, looking at the camera. He has his hands behind his back and has a straight face. He has short, grey hair, and is wearing a dark grey hoodie and blue jeans. He is visible from the waist up. He is standing on a street in the road, in front of a row of market stalls.

Market trader Mark Barr feels the barriers "cause as many problems as they cure"

Portobello Road claims to host "one of the most famous and historical street markets in the world", which began in the 19th Century and is particularly known for its antiques.

It rose to fame after being featured in the 1999 film Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

Market traders say they understand the reasons for the barriers, but that they had been badly implemented.

Mark Barr, a stall holder at the market, said: "They're too low, they're not signed enough, and they cause as many problems as they cure."

He said there has been "two or three crashes a day", and that residents had to persuade the council to fit reflective signs on the barriers, so they would be visible at night.

A street junction from one side of the road. The road has white markings, displaying a traffic light crossing, a bicycle stopping zone, and parking space, as well as double yellow lines around the edges of the pavement. There are two grey concrete blocks blocking the road. A pavement made of grey paving slabs runs alongside the road. Across the street, there is a blue-grey building with 'The Castle' written over it. A turning to the left in the background has another street, with brown brick buildings lining it.

The measures are intended to be temporary, with the council consulting on a permanent scheme

Fellow trader Jane Bridgman expressed sympathy for the council, but still felt there had been issues over the lack of a full consultation.

"Obviously we want safety from hostile vehicles, but traders are having to witness cars getting scrunched up metres away from where they work."

She also said there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour, including street drinking and drug use, since the barriers were erected.

Ms Bridgman added traders had been advised there would be a "better, stronger alternative", but that this "is not going to happen immediately" and "we've got to be a bit patient".

However, she said that "the new system is what most traders are hanging their hopes on, and we should have that sooner rather than later".

A market stall selling flowers is set up on a street, partly on the pavement and partly in the road. There are assorted flowers in dozens of light orange coloured pots, displayed underneath a black gazebo. There is a light grey concrete block to the right of the stall, with a box of flowers placed on top. A black lamppost and pillar are in the foreground on the pavement in front of the stall. A few white vans are parked in the background behind the stall. On the opposite side of the street, there is a row of shops and buildings along the road.

Portobello Road is famous for its market, which was featured in the 1999 film Notting Hill

A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea Council said the temporary order was introduced to protect from vehicle attacks during busy periods.

They said: "Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the community.

"We believe the current measures strike a reasonable balance between protecting the public and supporting the needs of individuals."

The council pledged to address concerns expressed by residents and businesses in its proposals for a permanent scheme.

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