Here's why emergency vehicles were in Rye last night

The emergency services, local councils, other agencies and community volunteers were there for a large-scale exercise taking place at Tradebe Chemicals Ltd, at Rye Harbour, from 7pm to 9pm.

Due to the nature of the work at the site, a multi-agency plan was required to be in place to ensure a co-ordinated response to protect the community in the event of an emergency.

The exercise was part of a routine process that enabled agencies to work together to rehearse their response to a number of events such as a fire at the plant, including how they would work to ensure residents in the surrounding area were kept safe.

The plan was drawn up by the East Sussex Resilience and Emergencies Partnership, which includes representatives from various organisations and is co-ordinated by East Sussex County Council.

Glenn Jones, a member of the emergency planning team organising the event, said: “Emergencies at these types of site are extremely rare, but it’s important we carry out these exercises.

“It’s a good opportunity for all the agencies involved to work together to ensure the plan is comprehensive and effective and they are properly prepared in the event of an emergency.”

The Tradebe site is subject to Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 2015. The aim of the regulations was to prevent and mitigate the effects on people and the environment of major accidents involving dangerous substances.

Organisations taking part in the exercise included East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, East Sussex County Council, Rother District Council, the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

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