A fictitious emergency scenario in Newton Aycliffe will test the responses of the police, fire brigade and local authorities next week.
It’s being organised by Durham County Council’s Civil Contingencies Unit with Darlington Borough Council and the emergency services to test plans for COMAH. (The control of major accident hazards)
It will take place at the Ineos site on School Lane in Newton Aycliffe next Wednesday (March 21).
PC Steve Holden, from Durham Constabulary’s operational and contingency planning unit, said: “This exercise is part of our regular programme of testing and exercising to ensure the emergency services and local authority can respond effectively to incidents of this type.
“As well as being good practice, this is a legal requirement for all chemical sites storing and working with hazardous materials.
“As it’s a live exercise, there will be a number of emergency services vehicles and personnel operating in the area. We will liaise with local residents to keep them updated about the event and there will be additional PCSOs on patrol during the exercise to provide community reassurance.
“The benefit of this training will be to put into practice a range of practices and procedures to better prepare us for the real events.”
The practice scenario will result in an increased noticeable presence of the emergency services at the site and around Newton Aycliffe in general. Members of the public are advised not to be alarmed as it is a training exercise.
Ineos, Durham Constabulary, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service, Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council, British Red Cross and WRVS are involved.
Durham County Council’s Civil Contingencies Unit prepare and review the COMAH plan and is responsible for organising regular testing.