CIVIC CHIEFS are preparing anti-terrorism measures in Southampton ahead of three major city events.

The move, which is for a trial until after the festive period, is an attempt to prevent a potential terror attack by someone driving a car or van into a crowded area.

It comes ahead of Oktoberfest this weekend, the Remembrance Day parade on November 12 and the Southampton Christmas markets between Saturday, November 11 and Saturday, December 23.

Southampton City Council is installing new concrete bollards in Guildhall Square and Above Bar Street.

Under the plans, the concrete bollards will be positioned at strategic points in the city centre which will provide additional protection to people from vehicles travelling on West Marlands Road and Above Bar Street.

Councillor Simon Letts, the leader of Southampton City Council said: “There is no direct threat to Southampton.

“We are only undertaking this as a precautionary measure.

“We have been given advice by Hampshire Police as we have been identified as a major Christmas centre.”

A spokesperson for the city council said there is not an immediate threat to the city.

The authority added: “Southampton City Council is looking to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors attending forthcoming events in the city.

“Even though there is no intelligence to suggest that the city is at risk of a terrorist attack, we want to take proactive steps which ensure’s people’s safety particularly in light of the recent tragic events across Europe.”

A spokesperson for Southampton Business Improvement District said: “Any measures that protect people in the city centre is something that we are in favour of and support.

''If these measures are to be made permanent, we might try to work with the council to see how the measures can be blended into the cityscape more or made more attractive looking.''

The measures came after a lorry killed 12 people at the Berlin Breitscheidplatz Christmas Market on December 19 last year.

The lorry, which was loaded with steel beams, crashed through wooden huts and stands filled with tourists and locals.

Earlier this month a report revealed “gross mistakes” by German police and security services.

The report commissioned by Berlin’s state senate said police missed several chances to arrest and deport Anis Amri, the Tunisian behind the attack.