South Ayrshire Council, in collaboration with Counter Terrorism Police, is set to implement new security measures at the Low Green to enhance public safety during events.
In response to global incidents where events or crowded pedestrian areas have been targeted, South Ayrshire Council is taking proactive steps to ensure that effective counter-terrorism measures are in place.
Starting in July 2024, metal-framed pedestrian arches will be installed on The Esplanade, accompanied by traffic bollards and swing arm barriers at Wellington Square and Bath Place. These measures will remain year-round and can be lowered during events to restrict vehicle access to these areas.
The Council assures that no cycle routes, footpaths, or disabled access points will be affected by these installations. However, some car parking bays on The Esplanade may need to be reconfigured to accommodate the new security features.
The equipment, provided by Counter Terrorism Policing, is on loan to the Council free of charge for five years.
Jane Bradley, Director of Communities and Transformation at South Ayrshire Council, emphasized the importance of these measures for the region's event-hosting capabilities. "We’re keen to attract as many high-profile events to South Ayrshire as we can, as these are great for the local and wider economy," she stated. "Public safety goes hand in hand with this ambition, so we are delighted that we were able to work with Counter Terrorism Police to get these measures on loan. We want people attending our events to enjoy themselves and feel safe at the same time, so these measures will help to maintain that sense of security."
The installation of these counter-terrorism measures is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 July. To facilitate the installation, sections of The Esplanade, Wellington Square, and Bath Place will be closed for the day.
This initiative underscores the Council’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for both residents and visitors, further enhancing the appeal of South Ayrshire as a premier event destination.