STEEL-reinforced concrete barriers will be erected for the first time in Bournemouth today as the security operation for next week's Conservative Party conference gets under way.

Specialist search teams are combing the BIC and surrounding area in a bid to protect delegates, residents and visitors from the ever-present threat of terrorism.

The barriers which will be installed today are like the ones used at the Labour conference in Brighton and are impossible for vehicles to drive through.

Drains in the town have been searched, officers have scaled the conference venues as part of the security operation and sniffer dogs are at work to detect explosives.

Dorset Police has received a Home Office grant of £1.2 million to provide Operation Pegasus 2004, an operation involving 500 police officers and up to 300 civilian police and security staff.

Although no specific threat has been made to the conference, the international terrorist climate has prompted a high level of security.

"Our planning has been driven by threat levels and we have been working closely with the security services" said Inspector Geoff Dominey of Dorset Police.

"Security and intelligence are constantly reviewed and contingencies are in place to cover all possibilities."

Police are keen to stress that Bournemouth itself will be open for "business as usual" despite the possible presence of armed officers on the streets and the closure of numerous car parks.

"Residents of Bournemouth and visitors to the town should be reassured that while the security operation for the Conservative Party conference is comprehensive, the aim is also to minimise disruption to the rest of the town," added Insp Dominey.

"My key message to the public and people visiting the conference is that they should be alert and vigilant but not be alarmed."

During this weekend, the BIC and the Highcliff Hotel will be thoroughly searched and sealed off. Only those with security passes will be allowed in.

First published: October 1