Lichfield cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to the threat of terrorism, a councillor has said.
The warning comes as part of a new strategy being drawn up to prevent people engaging with extremism.
The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act means councils now have a requirement to tackle radicalisation wherever possible.
As a result, the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership has drawn up a ‘Prevent Delivery Plan’ which identifies ways organisation, including the local authority, can play a role in preventing people from being drawn into terrorism.
Cllr Doug Pullen, Cabinet member for community, at Lichfield District Council, said that while Lichfield may not face significant issues on this front, history shows that people need to be vigilant.
“This country, like many other, faces a challenge from terrorism and violent extremism,” he said. “A very small minority seek to harm innocent people in the name of ideologies which can cause division, hatred and violence.
“The police and other agencies are working together to put in place the tough security measures needed to keep people safe, but this work alone is not enough. As with many other challenges we face today, the community’s role is vital.
“The challenge varies significantly from place to place. Lichfield district has a reputation of being a good place to live, a relatively affluent area, with low levels of crime.
“But we cannot be complacent. Indeed, we are not immune to terrorist attacks as evidenced when a soldier was shot and killed by the IRA at Lichfield City railway station in June 1990.”
Private Robert Davies died after being gunned down on June 1, 1990.
He had only been with the Army in the Royal Regiment of Wales, based at Whittington barracks, for 12 weeks at the time of his death.
Pte Evans was waiting for a train to take him home to his parents in Swansea when two hooded men fired at him and two colleagues.
No-one has ever been convicted for his death.
The Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership strategy will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s community, housing and health overview and scrutiny committee tomorrow (June 8).
