Annual LARNET Conference Looks at Emergency Planning

Issued on behalf of the Local Authorities Radiation Network (LARNET)

The state of the country's readiness to cope with a radiation emergency and the speed and manner of recovery following a nuclear accident or incident are just a few of the issues to be discussed at a national conference in London later this month.

The annual conference of the Local Authorities Radiation Network (LARNET), which is chaired by Aubrey Poberefsky, a North Norfolk District Councillor, will look mainly at the impact of legislative changes in emergency planning and the key role to be played by local councils.

"Even small incidents involving radioactive materials can become a widespread disaster, and, sadly, such incidents by radical extremists are becoming more common around the world," said Aubrey Poberefsky. "LARNET was established following the Chernobyl incident, and though the release of radiation there was not the result of terrorism, important lessons have been learned from the disaster. LARNET is, therefore, uniquely placed to act as a forum on the issues surrounding the hazards connected with radioactive materials.

"All local councils have a responsibility to be aware of possible risks and to plan to cope with the consequences of any emergency," added Mr Poberefsky. "As well as looking at ways of improving our emergency planning, the conference will, inter alia, bring delegates up to date with current legislation, provide greater awareness of potential risks, and advise on how to deal with public concern."

Guest speakers at the conference, which will be held at the Business Design Centre in Islington on Tuesday, 10 December, include: Keith Binfield, Chairman of the Radiation Incident Monitoring Co-ordinating Committee; Patrick Robinson, Chairman of the Nuclear Emergency Planning Liaison Group; and Colin Patchett, HM Inspector of Nuclear Installations, Health and Safety Executive.

LARNET is the new name for the Local Authority Radiation, Radioactivity Monitoring and Advice Collation Centre (LARRMACC), which, following the Chernobyl disaster, was established in 1998 to encourage and advise local authorities on the monitoring of radiation and radioactivity in the environment. LARNET's conference last year was called 'Waves of Concern' and focused particularly on how councils could deal effectively with people's growing concerns about perceived health risks from mobile phone masts.

ENDS

Note to Editor: For more information about the LARNET conference, please contact Aubrey Poberefsky on 01263 587302. Email: apoberefsky@tiscali.co.uk