Reaction on BBC's The Salisbury Poisonings as air date nears

Those affected by the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, which just four months later resulted in the death of 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess, have been keen to move on from the events of that year.

But in just a few days’ time, a new BBC drama is set to bring back those tragic moments.

The Salisbury Poisonings will tell the story of what happened a little over two years ago through three episodes due to air on BBC One from Sunday June 14.

As the news of the show spread and dates were released, residents were quick to react and share their thoughts on a subject that for some is still quite raw.

Picture by Tom Gregory

On Facebook, one said: “I don’t think people realise how devastating it was, and still is, not only for the families involved but for the whole of Salisbury.”

“A drama written off the back of something that not only killed a person but also Salisbury’s economy,” added another one. 

“Will Salisbury benefit from this in anyway, probably not, and not to mention yet again no one was actually held accountable for the suffering it caused.”

But away from social media, where much of the debate revolved around the timing of the release and how accurately events would be portrayed, some feel more positive and optimistic.

Leader of Salisbury City Council, Cllr Jeremy Nettle says he had the chance to speak to one of the directors when the series was first announced.

Cllr Nettle said: “In our discussion he came across as very thoughtful and empathetic, wanting to show how a community rallied together in a time of adversity which, given the community we live in, is very true.”

As a result of the show, Cllr Nettle feels Salisbury will be seen “as a place to visit where a real live spy story took place,” adding that in time, national and international visitors will come.

The Salisbury Poisonings

Susi Mason, chair of Salisbury Indies and owner of Casa Fina on the High Street, also feels positive about the series as reading about it made her feel “reassured” that those involved will be “sympathetic”.

“From the article I read, their impression of Salisbury was very positive and they were impressed with how the community came together during the crisis. It seems that they’ve taken a lot of trouble to speak to the people involved,” she said.

Although the timing of the release, the day before shops are due to reopen, initially seemed “poor”, Mrs Mason is hopeful that by showing the city’s community spirit, people will be drawn in.

One of the characters portrayed in the drama, Tracy Daszkiewicz, also spoke in favour of the series.

The former director of Public Health at Wiltshire Council was part of the response team that dealt with the incidents as they unfolded.

It comes as no surprise that in autumn 2018 she was one of the key people researchers wanted to talk to.

She said: “I was part of the group of staff that was interviewed. The team adopted a research-based approach gathering all the facts and I think the story emerged from that. It’s a dramatisation of a true event, there’s a great deal of truth in there.”

On Sunday, memories of the incidents will inevitably flood back and many will wonder wether or not this was too soon.

Cllr Nettle added: “I know that there may be people who had anxiety concerns when the Novichok incident was on and the regular news stories of men in hazmat suits and the uncertainty of what and where this nerve agent may lie.

"Now during the lockdown there will be those venturing out with similar concerns and my fear is that seeing this series may compound their anxiety and fears as they begin to venture out of their homes.

“However, I do think most of us are ready and as many of us only heard and witnessed snippets I hope this will provide us with the whole picture.”