OFFICIALS from South Ayrshire Council have insisted that new public safety barriers installed around the Low Green in Ayr are "essential" if vehicle terror attacks in the town are to be prevented.

The barriers, installed earlier this month, have sparked a furious response from residents as well as from Ayr constituency MSP Siobhian Brown.

Metal-framed pedestrian arches have been installed on The Esplanade, along with traffic bollards and swing arm barriers at Wellington Square and Bath Place.

The kit has been loaned, free of charge, to the council by counter-terrorism police for a period of five years.

In response to recent complaints from constituents and businesses, Ms Brown says she has raised serious concerns about the barriers.

She said: "I can count the number of events held during any single year on one hand. And they have never required such strict measures, despite the UK terror threat. 

“Whilst we want to encourage visitors to this beautiful part of South Ayrshire, how does this eyesore persuade tourists of the beauty of our coastline and town?

"I’m told the barriers are already disrupting traffic. They are unwanted and unnecessary, and I urge South Ayrshire Council to rethink this decision and to consult the public.”

Ayr West SNP councillor George Weir said:  “I was unaware of the planned counter terrorism measures until being informed that they were going ahead.

"I am especially concerned that, as a directly affected ward councillor, I was not party to any discussion or indication of this matter until late June, at which time this was presented in email as a forthcoming action.  

“I agree that the installations seem excessive. I have contacted the chief executive to ask how the decision was made to undertake these measures, and why I heard nothing prior to notice this was being done.

"In the absence of any explanation or rationale, presently, I see these precautions as extreme.

"They are certainly unsightly and will have negative impact on the town as a destination for visitors.”

Local businessman Brian Daly, who owns the Wellington Bar, Abbotsford Hotel, the Brig and Billy Bridges, said: “It’s been quite disappointing to see these unsightly, and unnecessary, structures appear overnight without any public input.

"They create anything but a welcoming environment for visitors, who will no doubt have concerns as to why they’re needed in a town the size of Ayr.

"This will damage the town’s tourism image, and I don’t think we should allow that sector to suffer more than it has.

“If there truly is a concern about threats to a small number of large-scale events, then there are much more effective temporary solutions that could be used.

"The same as other towns and cities around the country do.”

Among the scathing comments from members of the public after the barriers were installed was one from an Advertiser reader who said, sarcastically: "Everybody knows that Ayr is such a hotbed of political unrest and that rioting is embedded in our local culture.

"While the barriers may help stop a main battle tank prowling Wellington Square, history tells  that any costal town needs sea defences.

"To this end I think SAC should mine Ayr beach, probably with a mixture of mines like anti-personnel as well as tank and landing craft mines.

"Who knows, they may take a few seagulls as well."

Responding to the concerns, SAC has admitted it's now looking at options to either paint or provide suitable coverings for the bright yellow barriers when they're not in use.

The authority says police identified South Ayrshire as a "suitable trial zone" for the "enhanced public safety measures" - something the council didn't reveal when it first announced that the barriers were on their way.

Jane Bradley, director of communities and transformation at SAC, said: “It is our ambition to grow the number of events held in South Ayrshire as they encourage tourism and boost the local economy.

"We are committed to ensuring that events attract as many people as possible, while ensuring that public safety is paramount.

“The Low Green is an ideal venue for large scale events which attract thousands of visitors.

"While the multiple entry points to the Low Green make it an attractive, accessible event space, this accessibility may also represent a security risk.

"The introduction of barriers is essential to mitigating the possibility of vehicles being used in attacks on the public.

“While temporary barriers were used previously, these new barriers are more robust and cost-effective.

“This is a trial period; we will continue to gather feedback on the barriers while they are in place."

A counter terrorism policing spokesperson said: “It’s really positive to see partners such as South Ayrshire Council being proactive in their planning and discussions relating to public safety.

"Everyone has a role to play in protecting their communities, and local authorities are a key part in the defence against a whole range of threats.”