AN EVACUATION of a Basingstoke shopping centre this morning was a “live training exercise".
Shoppers were rushed out of Festival Place at around 9.45am this morning as the alarms sounded.
One shopper told the Gazette that a cordon had been put up outside Marks and Spencer.
Members of the public waited outside in The Malls for further information, before being allowed back inside less than half an hour later.
A spokesperson for the shopping centre has now reassured the public that the evacuation was a “live training exercise”.
They added: "We can confirm that we carried out a live training exercise this morning with the centre being partially evacuated in the Portchester Square area.
"The safety and wellbeing of all our visitors, staff and retailers is our primary concern and these evacuation simulations are a crucial part of ensuring this. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but we must test our procedures for the safety of everyone."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel