Terrorism Workshop for Guildford’s Night-time Economy

Published on: 23 Mar, 2017
Updated on: 26 Mar, 2017

This article was written before yesterday’s (March 22) terrorist attack at Westminster. Following due consultation, it was felt that we should proceed with publication so our readers can appreciate that necessary training and advice is being offered to our business community in order to improve the security of all of us.

Night-time economy manager, Stuart Craggs, addresses the audience at the counter-terrorism workshop

By Megan Wilman

An interactive counter-terrorism workshop was held for Guildford’s night-time economy last week (March 15).

In conjunction with the Experience Guildford Business Crime Reduction Partnership and the Safer Guildford Partnership, the training programme, Project ARGUS, aims to raise awareness amongst the evening and night-time economy to better prepare them should the town face a terrorist attack.

Using role play and real-life scenario training, attendees were taught new safety measures to integrate into existing emergency procedures. This is in the hope that it may help protect them from possible attack in future.

Of the Guildford workshop, Graeme Ingate, counter terrorism security adviser said: “Whilst there is no suggestion that pubs or clubs in Guildford are being actively targeted, the UK threat level is “severe” meaning “an attack is highly likely”. It’s therefore sensible for businesses everywhere to be prepared.

Stuart Craggs, Experience Guildford’s night-time economy manager

Commenting on the counter-terrorism training and the need for increased awareness and vigilance amongst the night time economy, Stuart Craggs, night time economy manager at Experience Guildford and coordinator of the Experience Guildford Business Crime Reduction Partnership said: “Following the recent terrorist activities in mainland Europe, we’ve had an increasing number of individuals and businesses requesting to receive the most up to date and current counter-terrorism training in relation to the evening and night-time economy.

“This training has really struck a chord amongst our night time economy and I’m delighted to see so many key players out in force to help make Guildford a safer and more secure place to enjoy an evening out.”

Jane Lyons, chairman of Guildford Pub Watch and publican at The Keep adds: “Guildford Pub Watch wholly supports Project ARGUS as a means to raise awareness and set up procedures in the event of an attack. It has been an informative and thought provoking session to enable us to facilitate some preventative measures.”

In light of Project ARGUS, a further counter-terrorism workshop will be held, specifically designed for the retail community on Wednesday April 5, the training is open to all managers and staff operating across the town’s daytime economy to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, visitors and workers in the town.

More information can be obtained by email to: stuart@experienceguildford.com or by visiting: www.experienceguildford.com

To report any suspicious behaviour contact Surrey Police or call the Anti-Terrorist Hot Line 0800 789321.