COUNCIL bosses have agreed to a climbdown - at least in part - over anti-terror barriers at the seafront in Ayr after a huge public outcry.
South Ayrshire Council (SAC) had insisted that the public safety barriers at the Low Green were "essential" to prevent vehicle terror attacks in the town.
But the move sparked uproar and derision in (almost) equal measure from the public, as well as stinging criticism from Ayr's MSP, Siobhian Brown.
On Friday the council said that following discussions with counter-terrorism police, some alterations would be made to the measures.
The authority says pavement-mounted traffic bollards on Pavilion Road, Bath Place and on The Esplanade (at the Blackburn Drive end) will be reduced, meaning that there will be improved pedestrian access.
Jane Bradley, director of communities and transformation at SAC, said: “We have been working closely with counter terrorism policing to enhance public safety at large-scale events.
"We do understand that the installations have attracted some negative feedback, however we take public safety very seriously.
“Following the initial installation, we have reviewed and assessed the measures and have taken the decision to remove some of the pavement mounted bollards to ensure maximum pedestrian access.
“We will also arrange for more aesthetically pleasing covers and paintwork for the installations.
“We will continue to work with counter terrorism policing to ensure that events held on the Low Green are as safe as possible.”
The removal of the bollards on Pavilion Road, Bath Place and on The Esplanade (at the Blackburn Drive end) will take place on Monday, July 22.
The authority says disruption will be "kept to a minimum".
Metal-framed pedestrian arches were installed on The Esplanade, along with traffic bollards and swing arm barriers at Wellington Square and Bath Place.
The kit had been loaned, free of charge, to the council by counter-terrorism police for a period of five years.
Ms Brown said earlier this week: "I can count the number of events held during any single year on one hand. And they have never required such strict measures, despite the UK terror threat.
“Whilst we want to encourage visitors to this beautiful part of South Ayrshire, how does this eyesore persuade tourists of the beauty of our coastline and town?
"I’m told the barriers are already disrupting traffic. They are unwanted and unnecessary, and I urge South Ayrshire Council to rethink this decision and to consult the public.”
Ayr West SNP councillor George Weir said: “I was unaware of the planned counter terrorism measures until being informed that they were going ahead.
"In the absence of any explanation or rationale, presently, I see these precautions as extreme.
"They are certainly unsightly and will have negative impact on the town as a destination for visitors.”
Local businessman Brian Daly, who owns the Wellington Bar, Abbotsford Hotel, the Brig and Billy Bridges, said: “It’s been quite disappointing to see these unsightly, and unnecessary, structures appear overnight without any public input.
"They create anything but a welcoming environment for visitors, who will no doubt have concerns as to why they’re needed in a town the size of Ayr.
"This will damage the town’s tourism image, and I don’t think we should allow that sector to suffer more than it has."
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