Sensitive information detailing security arrangements at Essex County Council buildings was accidentally posted on an internet website.

The Evening Gazette found the information on the council's website.

Ironically, the increased terror threat in the UK led to the Government asking people to be more vigilant and urging organisations to tighten security at public buildings and key locations.

When the Gazette contacted the county council, the details were immediately removed from the site.

They were listed under a security contract being offered for private firms to run security teams to patrol the council's buildings.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: "Procurement services said they had a look at it again in the light of what was said and will amend some things on there."

As well as describing what duties would be required from the firm, details on the site included information on the intruder alarms based in five different council buildings, including County Hall and Shire Hall in Chelmsford.

This included where security systems were controlled from and who they were monitored by, as well as who monitored the fire alarms.

The number of people normally required to patrol certain areas at weekends was also mentioned.

The spokesman added the information available was probably not needed at that stage but was put there to help find the right company to do the job.

Those companies who do apply for the contract will be "fully vetted", added the spokesman.

A spokesman for Essex Police said it welcomed the county council's decision to change the information and described it as a "sensible step".

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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