What a surprise for those arriving in York city centre for the Christmas market - security barriers and gates have recently appeared. I'm not sure what impression these will give to visitors, but they certainly came as a shock to me!
We are told that they are temporary, and will be taken down in January, and that after that rather less intrusive moving bollards will be installed across certain streets. In the meantime, in the season of goodwill, these will be a reminder of the current UK security threat level of Substantial, which means an attack is likely, and is the middle level of the five threat levels.
I suppose that after the terrorist attacks in previous years at European Christmas markets, that increased security is inevitable - I just find that an attractive square has been made rather less attractive than it used to be.
I stayed in York last weekend for two nights, but the markets were not up and running. These barriers certainly look out of place there. What a shame this is what things have come to.
Unfortunately it is a sad sign of the times. So much has changed since 9-11-01. There have been too many tragedies and attacks so hopefully these extra security steps will keep people safer. Life has forever changed...
Thank you all for your comments and favs, which put this shot on the Popular Page.
Although I fully understand and support the need for security, I find this installation unpleasant and intrusive. It isn't hard to create security barriers that don't look so obvious. For example I've seen large planters that contain a steel core used as barriers. Still, at least this prevents the occasional motorist from driving into the pedestrianised area during the hours that the roads are closed to traffic!
I find it annoys me every time I pass these barriers - yes, we need to be safe, but I'm sure it could have been done in a more subtle and attractive way!
Ian
December 11th, 2019
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
(Thank you for you so nice comment.)
Thank you all for your comments and favs, which put this shot on the Popular Page.
Although I fully understand and support the need for security, I find this installation unpleasant and intrusive. It isn't hard to create security barriers that don't look so obvious. For example I've seen large planters that contain a steel core used as barriers. Still, at least this prevents the occasional motorist from driving into the pedestrianised area during the hours that the roads are closed to traffic!
Ian
I find it annoys me every time I pass these barriers - yes, we need to be safe, but I'm sure it could have been done in a more subtle and attractive way!
Ian