A new emergency hub has been set up in Bratton and is now ready to be opened if the village is hit by a major incident.
Twenty local volunteers have been trained and are on standby to run the hub, which can be opened during emergencies such as widespread power cuts, loss of utilities or a search for a missing person.
Emergency Contact Hubs are a nationwide initiative and, in Wiltshire, are managed by Wiltshire and Swindon Prepared on behalf of Wiltshire Council. Their aim is to provide a safe local space that can be opened quickly to support residents and first responders during emergencies.
Based at Bratton Jubilee Hall, the hub is fully equipped with essential kit, including hi-vis jackets, role lanyards, a situation board, village maps, guidance notes and a first aid kit. It can also provide shelter, hot and cold drinks and welfare support.
Bratton Parish Councillor Dave Waller, who led the hub project, said, “I committed to getting this ready for the end of December 2025 and we did.”
The volunteers were due to meet at the hall on Tuesday 10th February to practise setting up the hub and review its procedures. Future exercises will test responses to realistic scenarios, including simulated emergencies.
“I am hoping to be able to persuade volunteers to act out some of scenarios which will require the services of the Hub. This will make our exercises much more realistic and more fun for the group,” said Cllr Waller.
While emergency services will continue to deal with urgent incidents, the hub’s role is to support the local community.
“We aim to offer welfare provision offering anything from a friendly face and someone to talk to or even just a cup of coffee,” said Cllr Waller.
“We will serve as local co-ordinators for any incident ranging from blanket power cuts to a missing person. As a group of volunteers, we are ready to act, but really hope we are not needed!”
For more information on Emergency Contact Hubs, visit https://wiltshireandswindonprepared.org.uk/
For information on the Bratton Emergency Hub, visit https://brattonparishcouncil.gov.uk/emergency-procedures-2/
