By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Around 7,000 people were evacuated from the National Ice Centre last month during a training exercise to prepare emergency services for a Manchester Arena-type terror attack.
A total of 22 people died and more than 1,000 were injured when a bomb was detonated by an Islamic extremist shortly after an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
Following the Manchester attack, a series of national recommendations were made about how security and emergency services should plan to prevent and deal with similar incidents in future.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue says it is on track to implement its own alterations as part of the changes, which followed a public inquiry into the attack.
They were put into practice during a live action practice in March, with help from the arena and Nottingham Panthers fans.
A meeting of the Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire and Rescue Authority on Friday (April 26) heard it had provided valuable experience.
Assistant Chief Fire Office Damien West said: “This was a large scale, no-notice exercise. Emergency services weren’t given prior warning, which let us test our ability to deal with an incident.
“It simulated a realistic terrorist attack and provided a unique learning opportunity.”
Feedback from the exercise will be provided to other forces across the country.
However, there was concern at the meeting that forces were being asked to pick up the tab for some anti-terrorism funding.
The government previously gave all fire authorities £55,000 annually to prepare for ‘marauding terrorist attacks’ – a term describing attacks where terrorists are moving through a location, aiming to kill as many people as possible.
This has been cut to £19,500, and forces are required to fund the difference from their own budget from April.
The committee chair Councillor Michael Payne (Lab) said: “It’s pleasing to see real-life practical testing.
“However, I am dismayed to see the incredibly wrong-headed decision to reduce the money by almost two-thirds.
“This is particularly wrong-headed given the horrific events in Nottingham city centre last year when someone was actually marauding around with a knife and vehicle.”
Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin told the meeting: “I am very proud of what we’ve achieved regarding preparation for terrorist attacks”.
He described the National Ice Centre exercise as “fairly unique nationally.”
He added: “[The funding reduction] is a challenge, we would welcome the relief of pressure, but we work within the means we have.
“There’s been debate about whether it should be a firefighter’s job to respond to such attacks, but the public don’t care – they just want to see an effective response.”
The second volume of lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, released in 2022, made 53 recommendations for all services.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue has completed 32, and is on track for the remaining 21.
The National Ice Centre and Nottingham Panthers fans were thanked for their participation.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment regarding the reduced funding.
