PREPARATIONS against terrorist attacks were discussed at a seminar to find out how Swindon would respond to a biochemical threat.

Around 40 business people and council and emergency staff attended the seminar, which was held yesterday at the Marriott Hotel and was sponsored by Zurich Finan-cial Services.

The town has been the victim of several anthrax hoaxes, although Wiltshire is not thought to be a high risk area.

Inspector David Hansford of the Wiltshire Constabulary said: "The threat to the UK has never been higher but Wiltshire isn't high on the risk list."

Council emergency planning officer Sam Weller emphasised the need to avoid fear and panic.

He said: "Fear of crime causes major disruption particularly to those involved in business."

Divisional Officer Simon Routh-Jones is a senior operations officer of Wiltshire Fire Brigade. He said that it was vital to give staff the right information: "Communication with your staff is one of the most important things."

Wiltshire Health Authority consultant on communicable disease control, Dr Bharat Pankhania, outlined the effects of anthrax.

He said: "Knowledge empowers you to feel more comfortable about what people in the medical profession can do."

During the seminar the role of the police and fire service was outlined in the event of a terrorist attack and decontamination equipment and procedures were explained.

Book Club Associates health and safety officer John Cain gave delegates a first-hand account of his firm's experience of an anthrax scare in October at the Groundwell Industrial Estate warehouse.

Delegates agreed with Mr Cain that identifying powder or residue that might arrive in their suppliers goods in advance could prevent unnecessary disruption.

On behalf of Zurich Financial Services, Duncan Ford said business people needed to talk more to the emergency services to get a better understanding of their work.

The anthrax scare at the Book Club Associates warehouse affected 175 staff when powder was found in a book.

It followed another scare at the Dorcan Way Royal Mail postal sorting office where it was decided there was no need to evacuate or decontaminate staff after a parcel containing white powder was discovered.

For more information on protection against potential terrorist attacks call Wiltshire Police crime prevention officer Geoff Suffolk on 528111.