Anti-terrorism barriers installed at city park

Anti-terrorism barriers have been installed at a newly reopened city park.

The gates at Queen's Gardens in Hull are in response to new public protection laws brought in after the Manchester Arena bombing, the city council said.

The authority added that the barriers were temporary until ones that were more "aesthetically pleasing" were installed.

Council cabinet member Mark Ieronimo said: "As we've opened up Queen's Gardens to the public, we just need to make sure that they're safe by limiting vehicle access."

He added: "Right across the country, authorities are being asked to make sure that the public are safe from vehicle access, and we're just making sure that we comply with that law."

Legislation requiring public venues to improve security was brought in last year.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, also known as Martyn's Law, was named after Martyn Hett. who was one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester attack.

Queen's Gardens reopened on Friday following a £21m refurbishment which took three years.

Ieronimo described the revamped park as "fantastic".

He said: "It's not just a green space. It's a place now where we can celebrate our maritime history, and whether you come down for your lunch, whether you come here for a picnic at the weekend or whether you come to one of the future events that will be held here, there'll be something for everyone."

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