Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 03/10/2

Firefighters Steve Benney and John Navin officially completed the HayleSafe project on Friday 29 September. The HayleSafe project was a two year pilot scheme which aimed to make Hayle and the surrounding area a zero tolerance fire zone.

Since September 2004 two dedicated firefighters have been working in partnership with other agencies and the community to improve the quality of life: reducing fires and crime. They have been promoting healthy and safe living, engaging with the public to produce positive outcomes.

“Firefighters Steve Benney and John Navin have reduced arson and anti-social behaviour. They have visited 5,500 homes to give free Home Fire Safety Checks. They have fitted 1768 smoke alarms, replaced 192 batteries and received 24 requests for hearing impaired alarms” said Councillor Ken Yeo, Executive Member for Public Protection

He cont: “Steve and John have worked with other emergency services in the town as well as community groups such as Age Concern and SureStart to help raise awareness amongst residents on how to be safe, at home, at work and in their day to day life”
In partnership the firefighters initiated a number of projects including ‘Safe Street Safe School’ which reduced the number of violent crimes committed by young people against young people and reduced the incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Three ‘Flaming Sports Challenges’ were hosted by the HayleSafe team in partnership with the police. These ‘sports challenges’ have included two 5-a-side football matches with the local secondary school and one Tag Rugby game with local primary schools.

“The aim of the ‘sports challenge’ was to create and sustain a positive relationship between the young people and the emergency services. They proved to be really successful and we plan to hold similar events in other areas of the County” said Divisional Officer Colin Hatch

Steve and John have also assisted at ’community action days’ which include the removal of vehicles and rubbish and the promotion of securing buildings and storing potential arson targets correctly. These are organised across the County by the local district council.

The ex-Mayor Terry Lello and the firefighters promoted ‘thinking before you park’ – asking residents to be aware of parking sensibly for emergency vehicle access. This is a campaign publicised throughout Cornwall.

“We have also provided safety information at Community Awareness Days, Sure Start events, Caravan and Campsites, as Hayle has a large tourist industry, and to boat owners” said Sub Officer Steve Benney
John Navin added: “The positive work we have been doing will not stop completely. Firefighters and officers from the local area will continue to work in partnership to promote safety to the community”

The project in Hayle has piloted some successful community safety initiatives which will be spread across Cornwall.