3:10pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Emma Thomas
CONCERNED residents can now be sent texts or e-mails about accidents at a Ministry of Defence firing range.
The new Shoeburyness Emergency Alert System was launched by Qinetiq, which operates the 9,300-acre range at Shoebury and Foulness on behalf of the MoD.
More than 800 homes in or around the public information zone, an area surrounding the site in Southend and Rochford, who could be affected if there was an incident such as a major fire, can register for free alerts.
The messages will be sent via e-mail, text message or phone and there is also a freephone number people can call to get the latest information during an incident. The Health and Safety Executive, which licences the site for the storage of ammunition and explosives, requires the company to keep people informed about how major incidents can affect them.
Leaflets explaining the new warning system are being hand delivered, along with a covering letter, today.
Chris Bennett, head of the site, said: “It’s business as usual for the range. We are not changing the type of work we do, but we are improving the way we communicate with people, letting them know what we do and how it could potentially affect them, no matter how remote the possibility.
“Some of the zone cuts through streets, so rather than distribute leaflets to half a street, we are communicating with more than that.”
Nicki Uden, community liaison officer, said the alert system did not mean there was any increased risk to the public, but had come about because of the company’s obligation to conform with regulations.
It also comes after the conclusion of the high-profile Terry Jupp inquest which finished last week. MoD scientist Mr Jupp, 46, was killed during a top secret explosives tests in 2002. A jury ruled the tests were not properly planned or organised.
Denise Bottley, 52, of Brookside Avenue, one of the roads in the zone, thought the scheme was a good idea.
She said: “I suppose in that scenario it would be beneficial.
“You don’t know what fumes are going to come out.
“At least you could shut the windows to stop anything untoward coming in the house. That is reassuring. I would sign up.”
Residents can register for the alerts by going to www.vocal.co.uk/QinetiQ or by picking up a leaflet with a registration form from libraries. Anyone can register, even if they live outside the area, and people can register on behalf of elderly or vulnerable residents.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/