LOCAL people are being reassured that preparations are in place in the event of Swine Flu coming to our area.

The reassurance has come from Somerset County Council which says it has had

plans in place preparing for any outbreak of pandemic influenza since 2007.

The plan sets out how the council will continue to deliver its essential services to the people of Somerset.

Key service areas of the council, covering areas such as Adult Social Care for example, have their own detailed plans to make sure vulnerable people are cared for.

Nicola Dawson, the council's civil contingencies manager, said: "We prepare for all sorts of emergencies, including flooding, nuclear incidents and pandemic flu.

"Over the last two years, we have taken part in two pandemic flu exercises and

over the last year we've had four tests of our ability to cope with interruptions to our daily business.

"Together with other local authorities, health organisations and emergency

services, the council is prepared for any potential disruption caused by Swine

Flu."

Click on the Health Protection Agency website at http://www.hpa.org.uk">www.hpa.org.uk or NHS Direct

at http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk">www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for further advice. For personal health advice and

information about colds and flu, telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.