Swindon Borough Council has been training to prepare for any “major incident” that would force them to evacuate residents.

The council regularly carries out training exercises for staff and local partner organisations to ensure it is “resilient” in the event of a major incident where people may require their support.

On Friday, October 4, a Rest Centre exercise was held for staff, residents, the Red Cross, and partners from Wiltshire Council.

This simulated an event where residents needed to be evacuated from their homes and had no alternative accommodation.

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The council says the lessons from the event would be used to shape its preparations, should it ever need to enact these plans.

Cllr Emma Bushell, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for organisational oversight, said: “It was brilliant to see so many residents support our Rest Centre training exercise.

“While we hope we never have to establish a Rest Centre, the hard work of residents, local partners and colleagues across the Council means we can be confident we will have the very best plans possible, should they ever be needed.

“Our Council will continue to run regular training scenarios to ensure it is prepared and resilient in a case where residents need us most.” 

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