Halesowen town centre safety barriers could be used as weapons, councillor warns

Conservative councillor Ray Burston said the proposed four-foot high steel barriers in Halesowen could be used to attack a shop frontage.

The barriers are being considered by Dudley Council as part of measures to aid social distancing when shoppers return to the town.

Councillor Burston, who represents Halesowen South, said: "I'm not the only councillor which has pointed out they could be used as a weapon – it's definitely a possibility.

"We hope not, obviously, but someone could lift one up and attack a shop frontage with them because they're outdoors and unlike the Cornbow Centre there's no-one to police it.

"They're outside and there's already less risk of catching coronavirus than it being indoors – it relies on people using their common sense. It's unnecessary."

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Councillor Burston said posters should be put up instead.

He has been accused of "gambling" with residents' safety by Andrew Tromans, Labour's candidate for the Belle Vale ward.

Mr Tromans said: "We all should be adhering to social distancing measures and making every effort to keep each other and the NHS safe.

Distance

"It is especially important that we do this as the restrictions begin to lift and our high streets reopen and the measures proposed will help.

"I would ask Councillor Burston to distance himself from these remarks and not contribute to any further confusion in public health messaging."

Councillor Burston said the Labour Party had "vacated" the moral high ground on the issue.

"I think people will use their common sense, which they're using now. After the events of last weekend – and the [Labour] MPs who turned up to the protests – they have vacated the moral high ground on social distancing.

"As far as I know there are no plans for marshals so people will have to obey the signs and rules – but people can also get away with the signs.

"Apart from the fact they do not look very nice, it contributes to a climate of fear and we need to be encouraging people to come into our town centres.

"As long as people are not confident about shopping, businesses are not going to feel confident and we need to get the economy back up and moving."

Dudley Council said the measures were being looked out to ensure people can visit and shop in town centres safely.