Security

Katharine went to Sheffield yesterday to see her dad in his care home. While in Sheffield she had lunch and a wander in the city centre and came across these brightly coloured blocks, which it seems are disguised concrete blocks designed to prevent terror attacks using vehicles.

There has been an increase in concern about security in our city centres in recent years, following terrorist attacks using vehicles. It has become increasingly common to see large such blocks of concrete or other obstacles designed to stop such attacks taking place. I shared an example of what was done in York in 2019 - https://365project.org/fishers/365/2019-11-17

This shot shows two of the blocks in Sheffield, near the town hall, and they have been decorated by a local artist with these bright illustrations of local landmarks - in this case the Crucible Theatre and behind that the Hallam University Students Union building.

I rather like this attempt to brighten up what are in many ways quite ugly obstacles. I understand why they are necessary - I was quite shocked how many attacks there have been when I googled 'terror attacks using vehicles'. However, I'm pleased to see an attempt to make the obstacles more attractive.

Ian

[william wooderson]

Well they serve a purpose and are thought provoking at the same time!

[bkb in the city]

Glad that they are covered in beautiful artwork. Sad however that they are needed

[Margaret Brown]

Sad that it’s a sign of the times but pleased at least some colour has been used to make it a bit more colourful

[carol white]

A great idea

[Judith Johnson]

What an insprational idea to combat terror attacks.

[Peter Dulis]

nice

[Pyrrhula]

Agree with you last lines. Howe ever this is needed.

[Kathy A]

These ugly looking blocks seem to be popping up world wide as terrorist attacks using cars increases. It is such a good idea to have them decorated, they look so much better that way

[gloria jones]

Great capture of 21st Century needs against hate..

[Dione Giorgio]

Nice shot and pov. They would have been a big eyesore if they hadn't been nicely and colourfully decorated. Acceptable if they are effective in keeping the city centre safe from attacks.

[Kerry McCarthy]

I like the idea of putting creative artwork on these necessary blocks of concrete. Sad though that we need them.

[Fisher Family]

@will_wooderson @bkbinthecity @craftymeg @carolmw @busylady @pdulis @pyrrhula @kjarn @seattlite @sangwann @mccarth1

Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are very much appreciated.

There have been discussions at York city council this week about permenant barriers and gates around the pedestrianised zone in York city centre. It will be interesting to see what a more carefully thought out long term scheme will look like when it is installed.

Ian

[Pat]

Nice and colourful but seem so out of place in your historic city. It will be nice to see the solution they come up with, fav.

[Fisher Family]

@pattyblue

Thank you Pat. I did take photos of the temporary barriers in York over Christmas, but they were so ugly I couldn't bring myself to share a photo. I'm very interested to see what the permenant barriers look like.

Ian