Terrorism training for Colchester’s night spots is not being taken seriously, according to a nightclub boss.

Paul Ryan, general manager of Liquid and Envy Nightclub, and deputy chairman of Pubwatch, said Colchester was a potential target for terrorism because it was a garrison town.

He was disappointed staff from only one venue had attended a recent meeting set up by the Home Office to offer advice and support for pubs and clubs in the event of a terrorist attack.

Mr Ryan said: “Nationally, the threat of terrorism has increased and, because we are a garrison town, it is in everyone’s interests to take part in the training.

“There could be people collecting data and information with the aim of causing death and serious havoc in the town centre. The training gives advice on what to do if a terrorist attack takes place, and advice on how to identify possible terrorists.

“This is something that could be disastrous to the night-time economy, if there were death or serious injury as a result of an incident; so it was very disappointing to see the meeting had such poor attendance.”

Operation Argus was launched earlier this year by the Home Office.

Peter Carrington, community safety manager from the Safer Colchester Partnership, said: “The Argus training for pubs and clubs helps management, security staff and employees understand the risk of a terrorism.

“It also has information about how to keep party-goers safe.”