Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Callington at 12/10/2002 14:30

Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s first new ‘community fire station’ will be opened officially by the Chairman of the County Council Phil Tregunna at a special ceremony at 2 pm on Saturday October 12th .

The station is part of the £40 million contract agreed under the Government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme. The partnership between County Council and Pyramid Accommodation Services (Cornwall) Limited will, when completed next year, have resulted in the replacement of ten stations (including Callington), the major refurbishment of two further fire stations, the upgrading of 19 others and their ongoing management over the next 27 years.

The new station has up to date training facilities, which are needed to ensure that firefighters remain at the highest level of operational efficiency. It also has facilities for female firefighters, which will assist the Brigade’s campaign to recruit more women into the Fire Service, and access for disabled persons, thereby enabling entry for any member of the public requiring access to fire related information services.

The building has space for two fire engines, fire safety offices, a meeting room, and a training tower.

“As a result of the Private Finance Initiative all of the Brigade’s 31 fire stations are either being rebuilt or completely modernised. This is the first of the completely rebuilt stations to be opened and represents a significant landmark for the Fire Brigade’s services” said Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell.

“PFI has its critics but given the alternatives for improving our fire stations, which were in a deplorable condition, I am delighted that, when building works have finished, we will have a building stock which will be the envy of the British Fire Service. There is no better example of the need for a new fire station than in Callington, although there are a number of other places in the county which have equalled that need”.

“This is a very important day for Cornwall County Fire Brigade and the services it provides to the community “said Jill Ferrett, the Executive Member for Public Protection.

“This brand new fire station – Community Fire Station – has the facilities to deliver first class fire safety advice and a fire fighting and rescue service which will service the community for many years to come. It will also play an important part in the wider service to the whole of the county and help us to achieve our aim of making Cornwall a much safer place in which to live, work and visit”.

Callington Station Officer Kevin Rookley said “The firefighters at Callington are thrilled with their new station and its 21st century facilities as this can only enhance our performance as firefighters and help us to save lives. “

“Everyone at the station would like to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of former County Councillor Kate Williams, who did so much to help the town achieve its new fire station, and supported Cornwall County Fire Brigade during her time on the Public Protection Committee".