ANTI-terror barriers are here to stay, Winchester civic chiefs have confirmed – although they will be replaced by “better looking ones” in the near future.

The city council confirmed that the security measure, introduced in December, will be kept despite a spokesman initially saying they would stay only over the festive period.

The council tweeted: “The current plans are to replace the current concrete barriers with more aesthetically pleasing ones within the next three months. These will then be replaced with a fully integrated solution in due course.”

Despite asking the council, it is not yet clear what the “fully-integrated solution” will be, how long before it is introduced and how much the move is costing taxpayers.

The Chronicle also asked when the decision was made to make the barriers permanent, and why they are replacing the current barriers with another temporary solution, rather than going straight to the fully integrated option, but the council is yet to respond.

As previously reported, the barriers were introduced after concerns were raised about the risks of a Nice-style terror attack.

Similar ones were installed in Southampton towards the end of last year at strategic points in the city centre to provide additional protection.

Cllr Linda Gemmell said at meeting discussing the Silver Hill 2 regeneration plans: “It illustrates beautifully the free movement of people through Winchester, but I’m aware of the implications that gives us as a terrorist target.”

Terror attacks in Nice in 2016, as well Westminster and Barcelona last year, saw vehicles being driven at pedestrians. Cllr Gemmell added that under the plans what was to stop terrorists driving a lorry past King Alfred’s Statue and ploughing into pedestrians in The Broadway and High Street.

A joint statement from the Winchester city and county councils said in December that the “temporary barriers” would be installed to keep people safe “during the busy festive season”.

In a statement on Tuesday, Winchester council said: “In common with many town centres, protective barriers were installed in the city centre in December to provide reassurance to shoppers and visitors.

“Feedback to the city council has been positive especially from High Street retailers.

“The city council is currently in discussions with a number of suppliers to replace the concrete barriers with measures that are equally effective, but more attractive.

“Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council are working together on all aspects of this work.”