BUSINESSES in Brentwood are being offered the chance to learn how to project themselves from terrorist attacks.

Brentwood Council has teamed up with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office to form an initiative called Project Argus, which will show businesses from the borough what to do should a terrorist attack happen.

Project Argus, which stands for Area Reinforcement Gained Using Scenarios, will be starting off with an education session at the Nightingale Centre, in Warley, on July 8, which will go through different situations and how to deal with them.

The free event will be run by the council and Essex Police, with Mark Reed, chairman of the council’s Business and Community Panel, saying even though there is no real threat to Brentwood at the moment, the course would be very worthwhile for businesses.

He said: “Whether you are a national chain or a small business, Project Argus will be providing a unique opportunity to learn from, and contribute to, valuable lessons.

“It will be helping to protect you, your business and your community and help you prepare and have the necessary plans in place to help safeguard your staff, customers and your company assets.

“We haven’t received a specific threat, but given our key strategic position, it’s going to be a great way to increase awareness of counter terrorism issues and help make us more resilient and aware as a community.”

The session will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Any businesses interested in taking part in Project Argus, can book a place for July 8, by contacting Shelley King on 01277 312693 or e-mail shelley.king@ brentwood.gov.uk