Heald Ltd, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of hostile vehicle mitigation systems has secured the perimeter of The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield with its award-winning Matador sliding bollard solution for the World Snooker Championships.
Due to a number of high profile attacks over recent years at entertainment events and festivals, it was important for Sheffield City Council and organisers organisers that both competitors and visitors to the event felt safe and secure throughout the four-week tournament which saw the likes of Mark Williams and John Higgins compete for the coveted title of World Snooker Champion.
The Matador, perfect for short term events due to its surface mount install, was installed for four weeks whilst the championships took place. Available as both a static and sliding bollard solution, the Matador has been crash tested to halt a 7.2 tonne truck travelling at 64 kph (40 mph). Sheffield City Council opted for an array of two central sliding bollards and three static bollards to allow the free flow of pedestrian access through the bollards, but for the sliding element to allow access to permitted vehicles such as VIP’s and emergency response vehicles. An additional static bollard was added to secure the wide opening and to match the client’s requirement. The Matador was supplied with silver stainless steel covers to aid with integration of The Crucible, which was refurbished in 2007.
Michael Crofts, Director of Business Strategy and Regulation at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is top priority that our participants and visitors feel safe and secure when attending major events in Sheffield and security is always at the forefront of our plans, particularly with high profile events such as the World Snooker Championship. Working with Heald Ltd to implement a robust security system allowed us to bring peace of mind and deliver a world class event.”
Nigel Oldfield, Operations Director for World Snooker Ltd commented:“World Snooker were delighted with the installation of the Matador and we were also impressed with the excellent service we received from Heald”.
Managing Director of Heald, Debbie Heald MBE added: “With both large and small events becoming more susceptible to hostile vehicle attacks, it is crucial that event planners and facilities managers consider perimeter protection as part of their overall event strategy whether that be on a short term or more permanent basis. Heald are proud to offer a product that addresses all these needs with our award-winning Matador solution”.