Visitors to Chester City Centre benefit from increased perimeter security measures to protect from the risk of vehicle attacks

Heald has installed a range of its hostile vehicle mitigation, and perimeter security products in Chester city centre to manage city traffic and protect pedestrians from the risk of vehicle attacks. 

Securing various locations across the city as part of a wider £1m-plus security project, Heald has installed its crash-tested Matador bollard range, including static and sliding bollards. The Matador range is an award-winning perimeter security solution which secures some of the world’s most famous locations, including Beale Street in Memphis, the French Quarter in New Orleans, Little Caesars HQ in Detroit and has secured temporary events such as the World Snooker Championships and the London Olympics.

The Matador’s patent-protected design, which includes its unique sliding bollard, can be installed as either shallow or surface mount, making it the ideal security solution for installations where underground services may be in close proximity to the surface. The sliding bollard design allows access for permitted vehicles, such as deliveries and emergency responders, making it ideal for towns and city centres. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working closely with Cheshire Police, who recommended the upgrade following vehicle-ramming incidents worldwide, including in the capital at London Bridge, Westminster and Finsbury Park. As security has increased in London, the fear is terrorists may seek out softer targets like tourist destinations.

Installing perimeter security systems is just one of the new measures Cheshire West and Chester Council, along with Cheshire police are implementing. Other measures include Project Servator, which aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

Heald Co-Owner and Managing Director Debbie Heald, MBE said, “We’re delighted to have worked with Cheshire West and Chester Council and industry security partners to make Chester a safer place. At a time when high streets are fighting for their survival, it is paramount that we protect our towns and cities from threats such as hostile vehicle attacks and ram raids by ensuring they are a safe place to visit. We look forward to helping secure more locations across the country and around the world.” 

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “There is no specific threat to the city of Chester. We are one of many cities worldwide having to improve security in the light of new threats to democracy and our way of life. 

“The bollards have been carefully designed to blend into the unique, historic heritage of Chester and will help protect our residents and visitors during large-scale events and if there is intelligence to suggest a potential threat.”

In October 2023, it was reported in Cheshire Standard, that bollards in Chester would remain in the closed position for longer periods throughout the day to increase perimeter security during the Christmas period for shoppers and visitors to the City centre.

Published: 17th November 2023