Environment Agency officer Steve Smith is leading the way to develop plans for emergencies which may affect the region. Steve, based at the Agency's North-west headquarters in Warrington, has been appointed regional chairman of the Emergency Planning Society.

Members of the EPS, including the Environment Agency, local authorities, emergency services, voluntary organisations, local businesses and transport organisations, share skills to develop plans for incidents such as floods and chemical spills.

Steve, from Great Sankey, Warrington, has worked for the Agency since it was formed in 1996. Within two months he had taken up the position of secretary and currently holds the post of the Environment Agency's regional incidents and emergencies officer. He previously spent 26 years working for the National Rivers Authority and its predecessors.

"The appointment as chairman is a great honour for me, the regional incidents and emergencies team and the Agency," Steve said.

As regional chairman for 12 months, Steve will organise training events, talks and act as the Society's North West figurehead.

"I am looking forward to raising the profile of the Society and will be encouraging members to participate in the range of events. The Society has a very important role to develop plans to react to incidents."

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