This is a message to residents from Chief Constable Andrew Cameron; Steven Torrie, Chief Fire Officer; and Mary Pitcaithly, Chief Executive Falkirk Council, on behalf of Central Scotland Strategic Co-ordinating Group.
The purpose of this letter is to ensure that you are informed about the efforts of a number of organisations which have been working to ensure the current industrial action at Grangemouth causes minimal impact on the local community.
Central Scotland Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG) consists of the police, local authorities, fire and rescue, and ambulance services, health services, and environmental experts. The SCG has been receiving regular detailed briefings from industry representatives.
Our priorities during the current situation have been to ensure community life remains normal for all members of the public and that community safety is maintained.
The shutdown of the refinery has been carried out in a very controlled manner which is been monitored at every step with SCG members being made aware of the process. SEPA and the Health and Safety Executive have also been heavily involved from a safety perspective.
As well as monitoring the actual plant itself, close monitoring has taken place of noise and air quality around Grangemouth. To date, there has been no adverse impact as a result of the shutdown.
During the start-up of the refinery, SCG members will continue to work with the industry to ensure safety is maintained.
The start-up will be conducted in a phased and carefully managed method.
You may notice over the coming days more flaring as a result of this work. The air quality and noise will also continue to be closely monitored. Regular environmental briefs are available via www.sepa.org.uk|
The SCG will also continue to issue updates which will be made available through our websites, local newspapers and radio. Elected representatives, including your local councillors, will continue to be fully briefed by the SCG to ensure they have the opportunity to raise any issues they may have and ask any questions on your behalf.
The emergency services, local authorities, health service and industry have well-rehearsed and maintained plans to deal with a wide variety of circumstances should they arise and have a strong history of working together in the interests of safety. There is also a strong relationship with the local community which has built up over a number of years.
During this period, industry and the trade unions have reassured us that considerable efforts are being undertaken to make sure fuel supplies continue to be available to the community.
There are adequate supplies as long as people maintain their normal buying patterns and do not stockpile fuel.
We have been reassured that there will be no impact on other utilities such as gas supplies.
If you have any queries during this period you can contact Falkirk Council by telephoning 01324 506070.
Additionally, information can be found at:
