An off-site training exercise will take place in Carlisle this week to test emergency planning procedures for the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency depot at Longtown.
Cumbria County Council has the responsibility to produce and maintain an off-site emergency plan in the unlikely event of an incident at the depot, which is used to store conventional ammunitions and explosives.
The regulations require the emergency plan to be reviewed and tested at suitable intervals not exceeding three years. The Defence Storage and Distribution Agency at Longtown is also required to demonstrate adequate off-site arrangements under the terms of its operating licence.
The training exercise, which is called Rough Pike, will take place on Wednesday October 10th. It is a multi-agency exercise involving the police, Fire & Rescue Service, MOD, PCT, Ambulance Service, Environment Agency, Health Protection Agency, Highways Agency, Network Rail, and others including the county and district councils.
An Emergency Control Centre will be established at Carlisle Civic Centre and the effectiveness of a telephone helpline at Allerdale Borough Council and 'drop in centre' will also be tested.
The Defence Storage and Distribution Agency at Longtown will activate its site emergency control centre, but there will be no 'live play' - meaning the public will be unaware that any exercise is taking place.
ENDS
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