Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Launceston at 24/05/2003 11:00

Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s fifth ‘community fire station’ will be opened officially by Paul Tyler MP at a special ceremony at 11am on Saturday May 24th.

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 this year, have resulted in the replacement of ten stations (including Launceston), 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 Launceston 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.

“These facilities mark a recognition that the firefighters’ role has become a great deal more difficult and complex” said Paul Tyler MP.

“The challenges they face are truly formidable. The local community can be confident that this new building, and its equipment, now match the dedication and the professionalism of the team serving them” .

“This is a historic day for Cornwall County Fire Brigade, the firefighters in the town and of the course the people they serve”

said Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell. “Having modern fit for purpose facilities is essential if we are to maintain delivery of high quality services and also expand our role to provide easy access to advice and information”

“Today’s modern station will ensure that Cornwall remains the safest place in which to live, work and visit”

Launceston Station Officer Gary Chapman said “The firefighters at Launceston are very proud of their new modern fire station, a resource which can only assist us in achieving our commitment to promoting fire safety. We will increase our active role within our community by inviting the public to the station to get advice on how to reduce the risk of fire in their homes or businesses”.