Anti terrorism training operation

Provided by the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECHTU), the training, known nationally as Operation Argus, was designed specifically for night-time economy workers, and aimed to prepare participants should the unlikely event of terrorism ever occur.

Councillor Mel Nott, who introduced the 3 hour session, said: “On behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council, we are committed to doing everything we can to raise awareness of terrorism. We all play an important role and it’s important we work together. I am fully committed to supporting this type of seminar and seeing terrorism beaten.”

Led by Counter Terrorism Security Advisors Mr Bev Edwards and DC Huw Williams Jones, the interactive training involved a video simulation of a terrorist attack on a bar and nightclub. Throughout the exercise, all those who attended adopted the role of the nightclub manager, and had to say what decisions they would make to prevent and survive the terrorist attack at stop-points during the film.

After being broken down into four teams, the group discussed strategies for managing the crisis, communication barriers, reporting suspicious activity, and what impact the aftermath of terrorism will have on business.

Throughout the session, a panel of experts were on hand to help answer any questions or give advice. The panel included Police Acting Chief Inspector Edward Ough, Julie Cooper, Head of Emergency Planning for Bridgend County Borough Council, and Gareth Davies, a paramedic for the Ambulance Service.

Emma Thomas, Duty Manager of the Wyndham Arms in Bridgend who attended the training, said: “It was an excellent session and really made us think outside the box. It has definitely helped with how I’ll plan events and manage the pub in future.”

Acting Chief Inspector Edward Ough, who organised the training, said: “We must remember that whilst it is highly unlikely that a terrorist event would occur in the borough, it is important that members of the public and the business community are not complacent in terms of vigilance. The training today has been designed to offer relevant advice and support on how to prepare for any emergency situation which may arise. The major message of today is that these issues are not the responsibility of one agency, indeed it is imperative that we work in partnership with the public, local authority and business to combat extremism of all forms.”

“It is vital that any suspicious activity is reported to the police and the public and businesses are central to this process. I hope that the training today has raised people’s awareness of the issue and has given them the confidence to report matters and consider their response to any incident. Thank you to all those who attended.”