Team are ready for all contingencies

May 15 2009 by Stuart Wilson

THEY say prevention is better than a cure. And in Ayrshire, we’re well covered by a hard working team covering all of the safety bases.

Known as the Civil Contingencies Team, they plan for disasters, terrorist plots, riots at football matches, or explosions at nuclear power stations.

The guys and girls at civil contingencies have it scouted.

Their mission is to plan for every eventuality – and it’s a job they take seriously.

Team manager David Whyte oversees a rigorous process based at Prestwick Airport.

Holed up behind the main terminal, his troops plot and counter-plot for possible disaster situations.

David explained: “We’re the link between the emergency services and the council executives.

“There are all sorts of events and scenarios that need plans drawn up in advance.

“It could be anything from next week’s garden party at Kelburn to the Open golf championship at Turnberry.

“We advise on what will be needed, should certain situations arise. There are plans in place to cover a multitute of sins.”

David and his team are best known for co-ordinating mock disasters at the nearby airport.

But that is just the tip of their iceberg.

The council team, who cover South, East and North Ayrshire, look after all of us through meticulous planning.

They’re tasked with bringing a range of agencies around the table to work in partnership ahead of big events.

And David reckons his experience as an ex-fireman is giving him an advantage.

He revealed: “I spent 34 years in the fire service, so I’ve seen these situations from both sides.

“It’s an advantage to know what is required from the emergency services and how they react to specific scenarios.

“Luckily there haven’t been too many major incidents in Ayrshire to speak of – only the train crash up in Stewarton.

“But we’re very busy at the moment with swine flu and have discussions about the Open coming up.”

The contingencies unit has just switched to a new base at the airport, close to Ayrshire’s two biggest security risks.

David added: “The two main risks are the airport and Hunterston power station, both of which have their technical control centres at the airport.

“So it makes the most sense for us to be here. But it’s nothing to do with being an airport-based team – we cover and plan for literally everything.”

TEAM GAME: David Whyte, front, leads his civil contingencies team in troubleshooting. emayp080509team-5

HEAVY READING: David and assistant Arthur Cairns, front, study their plans on swine flu. emayp080509team-1

EAR TO THE GROUND: Jane McGeorge draws up her latest plans. emayp080509team-3

RESCUE: Emergency crews carry out a mock disaster exercise at Prestwick Airport. afayp080509civil-1