A WORKINGTON chemical factory has drawn up an off-site emergency plan.

Vertellus Specialties UK Ltd, based off Northside Road, near the Port of Workington, has not made changes to its production but a change in regulation means it is now required to have an emergency plan as the threshold for potential off-site risk has been lowered.

The firm is working with the county council’s resilience unit and a drop-in event was held on Wednesday at Northside Community Centre.

Chris Drew, senior emergency planning officer at the council, said the plan would involve properties within a 375metre-range from the plant, which includes Northside Primary School.

Dunmail Park is not within the emergency zone.

Mr Drew said: “We have a specific plan in place with the school, they have a siren and if it sounds they know exactly what to do.”

He said risks included the potential for a chemical toxic or flammable gas cloud.

Information has been given to residents as to how to behave if they hear the siren and traffic diversions.