People are being given more time to have their say on proposals to permanently strengthen and improve on-street security within Bath's busiest streets.

The deadline for the Bath & North East Somerset Council's proposed security improvements has been extended until 31 January.

The consultation was launched on November 16 and has had more 200 responses already but because of the national lockdown the online consultation has been extended until the end of the month to provide city centre businesses and residents a little extra time to respond.

A key part of the council's role is keeping the city's streets and spaces safe and secure from the threat of terrorism. Since 2016, the council and Avon & Somerset Police have successfully helped maintain the city's safety by putting in place various temporary security measures to provide a higher quality of protection around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Pump Room, as well as the retail core of the city centre

As the threat to the United Kingdom from terrorism remains, it is important that Bath & North East Somerset Council, with the help of its partners, continues to work hard to support the economy and community of Bath city centre.

The council has been working closely with the police on plans to further strengthen city centre access restrictions and install new purpose-designed street furniture which will provide permanent enhanced safety for people in areas of high footfall.

The council and police have developed a proposal that seeks to provide proportionate improved security while continuing to allow the city's businesses and service providers a viable level of vehicle access. The proposed scheme combines;

-Vehicle access restrictions 24 hours every day of the year within the city centre's most crowded streets

-Strengthened secure vehicle access points controlled by the Council's CCTV control room

-New purpose designed reinforced static and sliding protective bollards and furniture.

Councillor Joanna Wright, Cabinet Member for Transport Services said: "I want to thank everyone who has already taken part in the consultation. We have had more than 200 responses so far. However the latest lockdown has had an impact on many businesses and so we have decided to extend the consultation for a few more weeks to give people plenty of time to have their say.

"We also appreciate how important vehicle access within the city is for our businesses, residents and particularly for people with restricted mobility. We have recently appointed a specialist to work with local accessibility groups and other key local stakeholders to look at issues and recommend mitigation measures before the plans are finalised. It is important we ensure as many people as possible give their views on these proposals, before we begin considering all the responses.'"

You can view the details of the proposed city centre security improvements and provide feedback online until 31 January by clicking HERE : the B&NES site

Feedback will then be used to inform refinements to the draft proposals, before the Council formally advertises the traffic regulation orders, which would enable the access restrictions to be enforced.

Information about this consultation is available on request in other languages, audio, Braille, large print or other formats. For those without internet access paper copies of the summary and survey can be made available. To request another format please contact us by email at [email protected] or by calling Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41.