B&NES Council is reassuring locals about practical safety measures in Bath for residents and visitors coming into the city over the Christmas period, with additional security measures being put in place.
In line with similar initiatives all around the country, Bath will be protected by additional security in advance of this year’s popular Christmas Market and beyond.
This includes additional barriers being installed by B&NES Council, Visit Bath, Southgate Bath and Bath BID, who are all working in partnership to help things run smoothly.
The barriers alongside new and replacement bollards, installed over the last month, are designed to restrict access for vehicles, and make it safer for pedestrians to get around the city centre.
Councillor Tim Warren (Conservative Mendip), Council Leader, said: “These improvements are part of business as normal for the city. We are simply taking the prudent step of installing additional measures which are in common with those seen elsewhere in the country. There is currently no known threat to the city.
We want people to feel reassured and to enjoy visiting our city this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
“We have successfully operated CCTV for 25 years and we have more than 200 cameras. During that time they have detected crimes and ensured that visitors and residents continue to feel safe as they go about their daily business.
“We also have officers in town throughout the day, and taxi marshals in the evening so there is generally help on hand.
“All of this adds up to a co-ordinated approach to the city. I am grateful for the support of Visit Bath, Bath BID and SouthGate Bath, who are integral to providing a joined up approach to managing the city.”
David James, Chief Executive of Visit Bath added: ‘’As organisers of the Bath Christmas Market, Visit Bath works closely with partners to take all reasonable precautions to protect the safety and welfare of visitors attending the event.”
Guy Henderson, Centre Manager for SouthGate Bath, said: “Our top priority is the safety of all visitors to the centre all the time. We are pleased to be working closely with partners to continue to do this.”
Allison Herbert BID manager said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Visit Bath and B&NES Council to bring to the city a schedule of events and activities throughout the festive period that residents and visitors can enjoy.”