An Argus Night Time Economy workshop is being held at Pembrokeshire College to protect those businesses forming part of the night-time economy against the threat of terrorism.

This free event will provide opportunities for local businesses to learn how to plan, prepare, prevent and recover from a possible terrorist attack.

The event will be held at the Lecture Theatre, Pembrokeshire College on Wednesday, December 2, commencing at 6 pm and will last approximately two hours.

While there is no known specific terrorist threat to Pembrokeshire at the current time, terrorist attacks in the UK are a real and serious danger.

Pembrokeshire's popularity as a tourist location and the ongoing national threat means everyone has to play a part in keeping the county safe. An attack can come at any time at any place without any warning.

Premises in the night-time economy such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and nightclubs are especially at risk. They are crowded places, often with little or no protective security measures. They will attract large numbers of people, often in comparatively confined areas, and thus present a preferred target for terrorists.

The people who gather in these places are often relaxed, enjoying an evening out, and may due to the influence of alcohol not react well to any incident!

Dyfed-Powys Police is working with the managers and the decision-makers to help them minimise the risk of an attack which can come at any time. They will learn how best to keep their customers and premises safe.

Project Argus is the name given to this series of workshops being held across the county where local businesses are placed in the midst of a simulated terrorist attack as a multi-media experience. The twin aims of these meetings are to raise awareness and to help make us more resilient as a community.

The workshops are being organised by Dyfed-Powys Police and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office with the support of partner agencies.

The workshop at Pembrokeshire College is supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and will enable attendance from local towns. Similar workshops are being held in major towns and cities across the country.

Project Argus is a dynamic developing program of events and Dyfed-Powys Police have also undertaken other events which saw architects, planners and designers working with police to establish how best to 'design out terrorism.'

DC Max Bevan Pembrokeshire's Counter Terrorism Security Office, said: "The UK continues to be a target for terrorists. The question is not if but where and when, and the managers of businesses in crowded places like entertainment centres must be prepared. This new workshop has been specially designed to help businesses in the night-time economy who are subject to particular risks and it will help them be prepared.

"Managers of taxi and private hire companies are also in a special position and should learn how they can help protect against terrorism.

"Project Argus is an excellent opportunity to judge how well prepared is your business, increase your knowledge of terrorist issues, compare notes with other local businesses, or just a chance for you and selected staff to experience a well-run security exercise.

"Everyone in Pembrokeshire, whether resident, visitor or employee, can help us maintain the freedoms which we value by being alert. Recognise suspicious behavior and if anything appears unusual, odd or different, report it. Look for people behaving in a manner which is out of place for the time or location. What they look like is irrelevant, it is what is happening, what they are doing, that is important.

"Please don't delay; if you have any doubts about someone's actions or behavior contact the police. Terrorism is such a serious threat your call could be the one that prevents a tragedy."

Suspicious activity can be reported confidentially to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Call Dyfed-Powys Police on 999 if you have serious concerns about something currently taking place.

Those for the day time retail sector have already been held at Haverfordwest, Saundersfoot, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, Newtown, Llanelli and Brecon.

The next session is planned for: Wednesday, December 2, at the Lecture Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, Haverfordwest. Refreshments and registration is from 6 pm, for a prompt 6.15 start. To guarantee your place contact CTSA 0n 01267 226574 or email [email protected]">[email protected] by Wednesday, November 25.

For police call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters. Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).