Reassurance sought on swine flu fever

In light of the swine flu outbreak and raising of the World Health Organisation's Pandemic Strategy to phase five, Cllr Graham Knight, has sought reassurance that emergency measures are in place locally to cope if necessary.

Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Mid Sussex District Council, Cllr Knight said: 'It is important that people do not panic. But with Gatwick Airport so close to us we do need to reassure our residents ensure that all the measures are in place to monitor this situation and respond rapidly if the need arises."

Cllr Knight asked senior officers to check that MSDC's Emergency Planning procedures are all in place and to send a briefing to all members of the council. They have assured him that as part of the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF) - MSDC officers are involved in special briefings on Swine Flu along with other partners and the emergency services.

The SRF's role is to support the Health Protection Agency which has overall responsibility for public health issues in the UK. The SRF will be focusing effort over the next few days on communications and dealing with enquiries. Mid Sussex District Council are represented on the group doing this work. The SRF is also to meet again later this week to review current and any further measures which may be needed.

East Grinstead Councillor, Mrs Jean Glynn added: " I welcome the assurances that I have received in relation to the continued ability to use our local leisure buildings and the staff trained for these events to help our communities if we are affected by this or future emergencies. I am told that this facility will not be affected by the transfer of management of our indoor leisure facilities management moving to a private contractor."