Final work on York anti-terror measures begins

The measures aim to protect people in the city centre

The final stages of work on anti-terror bollards to protect York city centre will begin later.

Work to install the barriers began in 2023 after police said they were needed to protect people from vehicle attacks.

City of York Council said work would begin on Blake Street and Parliament Street from today, with road closures in place.

The authority urged businesses with concerns to raise them "as early as possible".

The barriers are designed to prevent or hinder hostile vehicle attacks, with City of York Council previously saying the measures were similar to those installed in other British cities.

Work to complete the measures was paused on 17 November ahead of the annual Christmas market.

Peter Kilbane, executive member for transport, said: "This final stretch of work will include installing the final set of bollards and connecting them to power and CCTV.

"I'd like to apologise for any disruption this may cause, and urge businesses to raise any areas of concern as early as possible with the contractor's public liaison officer and the council."

Work installing the anti-terror bollards began last April

Mr Kilbane said Blake Street would be closed to all traffic for up to eight weeks, with alternative vehicle access via Goodramgate and Spurriergate and via High Petergate.

Business and property access will remain open and footpaths will be closed alternately on each side of the street in two phases.

The junction of Parliament Street and High Ousegate will also close to traffic as sliding bollards are installed alongside the fixed bollards already fitted, with alternative access via Goodramgate.

Mr Kilbane said staff would be on site during the morning delivery period to help with access for deliveries.

He added the measures would "protect all who live, work and visit the city centre and permanently remove the need for the temporary barriers" which have been previously used.