ROAD blocks are to be in place during the popular Victorian Fayre as a security measure, it has been announced.

The concrete blocks, and a pedestrian barrier, will be in use in Worcester city centre throughout the duration of the Victorian Fayre from Thursday, November 30, until Sunday, December 3.

Police and the city council are stressing there are no specific threats to Worcester, and the blocks are being used as an extra precautionary measure.

The blocks have been tested to ensure they can withstand a vehicle being driven in to them at speed, and are designed to prevent terrorism attacks such as the Westminster Bridge atrocity, in which five died after a car was driven into pedestrians.

David Blake, managing director of Worcester City Council, said: "Our top priority is to ensure that visitors are safe as they enjoy everything which our traditional Victorian Fayre has to offer.

“Although we are not aware of any specific threats to Worcester, we are putting these barriers in place as an extra precaution.

"There is no need for concern or alarm.”

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, Policing Commander for South Worcestershire said: "This is one of our most enjoyable weekends of the year.

“We welcome the excellent work our colleagues at Worcester City Council have done to ensure people remain safe.

"For our part, we will increase policing patrols to reassure and prevent crime, as we always do for this event.”

Concrete blocks will be place at various access point to the fayre including Copenhagen Street just before the entry to the Guildhall, Broad Street at the Trinity End by The Shambles, Friar Street, and The Cross where it meets the High Street.

Pedestrian barriers will also be installed around the roadside perimeter of Cathedral Square.

In its 25th year, the Victorian Fayre is one of the most prestigious Christmas events in the Midlands - contributing an estimated £7 million to the local economy annually.

This year’s event promises to be one of the biggest ever, with nearly 200 stalls filling the streets of the city.