Chester Racecourse to get new anti-terrorism bollards

Cheshire Wester and Chester Council is working with Chester Racecourse to allow for the installation of sockets for anti-terrorism bollards on roads around the venue.

On event days, the bollards will be placed into the sockets to support the necessary road closures.

It is hoped the installation of the bollards will result in the reduction of disruption to residents and motorists on event days, as the roads will need to be closed for a much shorter length of time than they are currently.

The bollards will replace the hostile vehicle protection system (HVM) already in use by the racecourse.

The council has pointed out that there is no intelligence to suggest that there is a specific threat posed to the Racecourse. However, the vehicle security bollards will prevent a hostile vehicle or accidental vehicle from entering the crowded pedestrian areas.

Work is scheduled to begin in April.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader of the Council and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, said: "Not only will the bollards protect racecourse visitors in crowded areas on race days, but they will mean road closures on race days can be implemented and removed much more quickly. So there will be less disruption in the city during race meetings.

"There will be some disruption with a number of road closures but the end result will mean smoother traffic movement in the city during race events."

Louise Stewart, Chester Race Company CEO, said: "Keeping our guests and the public safe is our number one priority. The installation of these sockets provides a more flexible, semi-permanent HVM security solution and reduces the significant time and impact that existing race day and event road closures have on the city and residents.

"We obviously recognise that there will be a little disruption to realise these long-term benefits, however we have worked closely with the Council’s highways team to ensure that all the necessary works are completed in the shortest possible timescale."

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