WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has been testing an emergency communication platform that would be needed in the event of a mass power outage, writes Toby Almond.
Exercise Echo is a large-scale communications test carried out by council emergency planning teams in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
The exercise, held last month, brought together trained volunteer radio operators who set up specialist equipment on the Malvern Hills, Clee Hill and the Long Mynd.
The three sites allowed the counties to link council headquarters in Worcester, Hereford and Shrewsbury, using independent radio systems that do not rely on mobile networks, landlines or the Internet.
The test simulated how messages could be passed quickly between counties to help manage resources.
Coun Satinder Bell, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This exercise is about being prepared for every scenario.
“While widespread power outages are extremely unlikely, it is our responsibility to plan for all scenarios so we can continue supporting residents whatever the circumstances.
“I’m pleased to see such strong collaboration between our counties and the volunteers who make this work possible.”
The new test builds on successful trials in 2024, when Worcestershire and Herefordshire first linked with Gloucestershire.
The recent test has confirmed that the system can be expanded in the future.
