Six weeks on, JLA awaits completion of barrier

Aug 15 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Six weeks on, JLA awaits completion of barrier

BAGGAGE trolleys are still being used as part of a security barrier at Liverpool John Lennon Airport – almost six weeks after a Jeep drove into Glasgow Airport in an alleged terrorist attack.

A series of permanent concrete bollards have been installed to protect the airport’s frontage, but a section is still only protected by the trolleys, which were lined up as a temporary measure immediately following the Glasgow attack on June 30. Jeep driver Kafeel Ahmed died later in hospital.

Hours after the drama in Glasgow, JLA was closed when a suspicious vehicle was found nearby.

John Lennon Airport (JLA) said days later a concrete barrier would be completed as soon as possible to increase security, and that the baggage trolleys were a makeshift solution. Last night, the airport said it wanted to reassure the public.

“The majority of concrete bollards have been installed outside the front of the terminal building as a permanent security fixture,” said a spokeswoman.

“Additional blocks are on order to replace any remaining baggage trolleys which are currently in situ. JLA has invested heavily to ensure public safety is the top priority.”

At the time of the security alerts, JLA said less radical changes were needed in Liverpool compared with other airports because the majority of cars were unable to stop in front of the terminal building.

However, exceptions made for deliveries and people with access difficulties were stopped, leaving no access to the entrance for any vehicle.