Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Wadebridge Fire Station at 10/05/2003 14:30

Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s fourth ‘community fire station’ will be opened officially by Councillor Mrs Pat Rowe, Vice Chairman of Cornwall County Council at a special ceremony at 2.30 pm on Saturday May 10th.

The station is part of the £40 million contract agreed under the Government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme. The partnership between Cornwall County Council and Pyramid Accommodation Services (Cornwall) Limited will, when completed next year, have resulted in the replacement of ten stations (including Wadebridge), 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 personal safety and operational efficiency. As with all other new, or refurbished stations Wadebridge has improved facilities, which should assist the Brigade to attract more women into the Fire Service. Access for disabled persons has also been improved thereby ensuring that all members of the local community can enter the station to receive vital fire safety advice.

The building has accommodation for two fire engines, a meeting and lecture room and a training tower.
“This is the second ‘new’ fire station to be built in Wadebridge. The first achieved funding in 1900, before Cornwall County Fire Brigade existed. This new fire station in Piggy Lane is a result of the Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s Private Finance Initiative. All of the Brigade’s 31 fire stations are either being rebuilt or completely modernised and I’m delighted that Wadebridge is to receive these new facilities” said Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell.

He cont: Today’s modern station will ensure that the important services provided by Wadebridge Fire Station to the local community will continue to be of the highest standard”

Councillor Mrs Pat Rowe, Vice Chairman of Cornwall County Council added: “I am proud to be able to officially open Wadebridge Fire Station and witness first hand this brand new community facility. It will assist the firefighters of Wadebridge to deliver first class fire safety advice and a fire fighting and rescue service which will not only service the local community, but also help us to achieve our aim of making Cornwall a much safer place in which to live, work and visit”.

Wadebridge Station Officer David Bassett said “The firefighters at Wadebridge are thrilled with their new station and its 21st century facilities as they can only enhance our performance as firefighters and help us to save lives. “