Shops briefed on terror attacks

London's most famous shops were today put on terror alert.

Stores in Oxford Street, Regent Street and New Bond Street are being issued with information telling them how to prepare for an attack. They are among 32,000 firms throughout Westminster being advised to be ready for a major incident and ensure it does not drive them out of business.

In an unprecedented move, the council has issued each one with a 30-page guide and video CD packed with advice on how to keep operating in the event of a September 11-style catastrophe. They were told to prepare for the "worst-case scenario" and consider forming alliances with competitors to share premises.

The authorities stress the decision to issue the advice now is simply good planning and not based on any increased threat. But it comes as Mayor Ken Livingstone warns that a terrorist attack on London remains inevitable. Speaking last night, he said: "There will be a point when a terrorist group gets through. Inevitably, if someone is prepared to give their own life they will get

through."

Claiming the capital had been "lucky" to have foiled a number of attacks, he added: "I would like to say withdrawing troops would save us. I don't think it will."

Today's decision by Westminster council to issue emergency advice - along with a call from Home Secretary David Blunkett for businesses to remain vigilant - follows new research into the effects of the 1996 IRA bombing in Manchester. This found that more than four in 10 companies were never able to reopen because they had no contingency plans. Westminster chief executive-Peter Rogers said: "Having a contingency plan can mean the difference between any business, but particularly a small one, surviving and going broke.

"Large business may already have contingency plans in place but our mailing will be particularly helpful for the many businesses that do not. We want to keep Westminster working during any emergency."

Julia Lalla-Maharajh, of business organisation London First, said: "The main message is for businesses to be alert, not alarmed. One of our key considerations is that they are prepared for all eventualities. They have got to put plans in place now and ensure they're all tested."

The booklet, Expecting The Unexpected, warns of the danger to a company's profits and reputation if it cannot continue trading, and emphasises the need to hold training exercises and assess risks.

It has been drawn up by the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office - with advice from MI5 and MI6 - London First and the Business Continuity Institute.

It was issued to a number of City financial institutions last year but today's mail-out - costing about £16,000 - is believed to be the largest so far by a local authority.

It follows a recent survey which found that two in five London firms have no plans for dealing with a terrorist attack.