Counter-terror experts share latest advice at Bolton conference

More than 200 security specialists gathered at Bolton’s Albert Halls on Wednesday (2 July) for a counter-terrorism awareness day organised by the North-West’s Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs).

Delegates included police officers and staff from all five North-West forces, fire and ambulance crews, local-authority planners and private-sector partners. The aim was to update partners on the changing UK threat picture and the free tools available to help businesses and event organisers stay safe.

Detective Superintendent Alison Whittaker, who leads the North-West’s “Protect and Prepare” team, told the audience:
“Terrorist tactics keep evolving. Today is about making sure the people who run our shopping centres, stadiums and festivals know where to get the latest, practical advice - and who to call when they need more help. Communities are our extra eyes and ears; we need them to deter, detect and disrupt hostile activity.”

Presentations covered:

• Martyn’s Law - the forthcoming legislation that will require public venues to have basic security and first-aid plans.
• Hostile-vehicle mitigation - simple, low-cost measures to stop vehicles being used as weapons.
• ATTROs - Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Orders that let councils ban or restrict traffic around crowded places.
• Protective security for events - how to “design out” risk at everything from food festivals to Christmas lights switch-ons.
• CT first aid - teaching staff how to treat catastrophic bleeding before paramedics arrive.

Sergeant Rob Philip of the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit demonstrated how temporary bollards and planters can protect entrances, while Alex Ward from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) explained the free online “ProtectUK” portal where any business can download check-lists and watch training films.

Bolton Council’s Stronger Communities lead, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said the town was a logical host:
“We stage large-scale events like the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. Bringing national experts here means our own staff, and neighbouring councils, leave with up-to-date, tailored advice that keeps residents and visitors safer.”

During breaks, Greater Manchester Police’s Project Servator team patrolled the town centre. The tactic uses highly visible, unpredictable patrols - sometimes with dogs, firearms officers or CCTV vans - designed to disrupt criminals who may be scouting locations while reassuring shoppers.

Erika Corless, emergency-preparedness manager at the North-West Ambulance Service, said she would roll out the ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) e-learning package to 999-call handlers and community first-responders:
“The medical session was directly relevant. Catastrophic bleeding is one of the most preventable causes of death in terror attacks; a three-minute briefing can save lives.”

The event was supported by Steroplast Healthcare, supplier of the PAcT public-access trauma kits now fixed to walls in many railway stations and shopping centres. Each kit contains tourniquets, pressure dressings and trauma gloves; short instructional videos are accessible by scanning a QR code.

Attendees were reminded that all counter-terrorism advice - from site surveys to online training - is free. Businesses and community groups can:

• Complete the 45-minute ACT Awareness e-learning at www.gov.uk/ACT
• Download protective-security templates from www.protectuk.police.uk
• Report anything suspicious via the “Red Button” on the same site or by calling 999 in an emergency.

The North-West CTSAs will run smaller follow-up workshops in each county for sectors that could not attend. The next open session is expected in Preston this autumn.

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