People living in Warwickshire can look forward to a stress-free start to the new Millennium thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of local authorities and services.

Groups including local authorities, emergency services, health authorities and hospital trusts, utilities and voluntary organisations are now meeting regularly to try to ensure a smooth transition into the Year 2000 for the people of Warwickshire. All these agencies are making contingency plans to ensure the continued delivery of their services, and they believe that working together will make these vital plans more efficient and more effective.

Jeremy Lee, manager of Warwickshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Unit, said:

"It is important that all agencies working over the millennium period work closely together and co-ordinate their efforts. By sharing information, agreeing joint actions and reviewing all of our emergency procedures we aim to move into the new Millennium with the minimum of disruption to local people."

The county’s contingency planning group is also concerned that members of the public should have easy access to reliable information on how they may be affected by Year 2000 issues.

An information sheet is being produced which will be made available in county libaries, through schools and local authority offices and to community groups. And later in the year a comprehensive list of contact numbers will be published, for the use of anyone who does experience problems over the New Year holiday period.