Multi-agency test exercise today at Cattedown
Emergency services are making sure evacuation and other response plans are up to date and well practised
A major multi-agency test exercise is taking place today in Plymouth.
It involves the police, ambulance, fire and council and centres on the fuel storage depots at Cattedown
It will involve Valero Logistics UK Ltd, one of the two fuel companies that operate in Cattedown.
A council spokesperson said: "There will be minimal disruption during the exercise but people may notice emergency service vehicles in Shapters Way and at Friary Retail Park on Exeter Street. To ensure public safety there will also be a partial road closure of Shapters Way, from the junctions of Macadam Road and Maxwell Road for the duration of the exercise.
"The Council has responsibility for overseeing the emergency plans for the site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) and for ensuring they are regularly reviewed and tested. The plan covers the operations of both Valero Logistics UK Ltd and Greenergy Terminals Ltd.
"As part of the emergency planning measures for the site, a text alert system is available for residents and businesses in the Cattedown. People are encouraged to register for the free text alerts, which are run by the City Council on behalf of the operators of the regulated sites."
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Community Safety, added: “While a major incident at the sites in Cattedown is highly unlikely, we have a duty to make sure the emergency plans are regularly tested and that all agencies learn from the experience.
“I would encourage residents and businesses in Cattedown to sign up for the free emergency notification system and to keep the information leaflet we distribute to households in the area to hand. You can find information about these on our website.”