Council leader reacts to Salisbury spy nerve agent attack

The Journal reported yesterday that Baroness Scott had been too ill to visit the city in the wake of the attack after her deputy, John Thomson, said she had picked up a "rather unpleasant disease" abroad.

Baroness Scott said in statement today: "I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Wiltshire Council to firstly say that our thoughts are with those people directly affected by the recent incident in Salisbury city centre and to commend all the emergency and health services for their response and ongoing support in dealing with this matter.

"Wiltshire Council has been fully engaged in the process providing its support and mutual aid, wherever required, to our colleagues and in particular the police and Public Health England.

"This has been an extraordinary incident and we recognise that it is an unsettling time for local residents and businesses. Whilst the investigation into the incident continues, Wiltshire Council is working with its partners and local and central government agencies to set out plans for what’s required to help Salisbury return to normality, as we move into the recovery phase that follows a major incident.

"We will ensure that local residents, businesses and the city’s national and international visitors are reassured that Salisbury is a vibrant and safe place to live, work and to visit.

"Wiltshire Council will be holding its cabinet meeting on 27 March (2018) in Salisbury and the meeting will include an update on the multi-agency recovery plan and provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

"Working together with all local and national partners, we will take action to assist those businesses affected as a result of the incident. A priority is to provide the support that’s needed to help the city return to business as usual and to promote its attractions and wide range of activities that it has to offer."