Emergency Planning Unit awarded Beacon Status

The Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit has won national recognition for its innovative work to ensure the safety of local people.

The unit which operates on behalf of Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, has been awarded Beacon status.

The Government-sponsored award which reflects excellence and innovation in local government, was announced at an Oscars-style ceremony in London on Tuesday.

The unit joined forces with Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade to highlight the successful inter-agency partnership arrangements operating in the area, and its application for Beacon status was one of only six successful “bids”. Twelve had been short-listed

Chief Emergency Planning Officer Denis Hampson said: “The multi-agency civil protection plans and arrangements that we have developed put us at the leading edge of emergency planning and our partnership arrangements are something of which we can all be proud.

“I am very proud that the unit has been awarded Beacon status which recognises how well the four local authorities across Cleveland and our emergency service colleagues work together in planning for and managing major emergencies, and protecting residents.”

Local Government Minister Angela Smith said: “This year, we have a comprehensive group of Beacons that I hope will be proud to share their knowledge and excellence across the country.”