Warwickshire News Mine

In total over 700 homes and businesses were flooded in Warwickshire and crews were called to a range of incidents including rescuing people who were marooned in or on top of their cars, children being caught out after playing in the flood waters and rescuing elderly or vulnerable residents who were trapped in their homes. Over a three-day period Fire Control took over 800 calls, most of which, related to residents affected by the floods.

As part of the Improvement Plan, we are proposing to invest in a new boat unit and better equipment to enhance our response to incidents of flooding.

Chief Fire Officer, Graeme Smith said:
“The amount of calls we receive relating to water rescue incidents has increased significantly over the last few years. If we are expecting firefighters to undertake these types of rescues, we need to provide them with the correct equipment and training to do so safely. However, the financial implication of providing the right training and equipment is considerable. Therefore, in order to invest in the equipment and training needed, the way in which we deploy our resources needs to change, which is what the improvement plan is all about.” 

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Richard Hobbs said:
“Investing in a new boat unit for the south of the county is one of the key components to the changes proposed in the Improvement Plan. In 2007 we were hit hard by the floods and having just one boat to provide support to all of the residents in Warwickshire was just not enough.  We understand and acknowledge that these proposals are challenging, but we believe that by investing in a new boat unit and more training, we will make communities in Warwickshire safer.”

All responses to the consultation need to be received before the closing date of 8th December 2009 in order to be considered.

Consultations will be taking place at venues throughout the county at the following locations:

* Monday 16th November, 18:30 - Presentation at 19:00hrs
Shipston-on- Stour, Shipston On Stour Primary School, Station Road, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4BT

* Tuesday 17th November, 18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Wellesbourne, Kineton C Of E Primary School, King Johns Road, Kineton, Warwickshire, CV35 0HS

* Wednesday 18th November, 18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Henley-in-Arden, Henley In Arden High School, Stratford Road, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6AF

* Thursday 19th November, 18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Polesworth, Birchwood Primary School, Birchwood Avenue, Dordon, B78 1QU

* Monday 23rd November, 19:30 - Presentation 20:00hrs
Studley, Studley Leisure Centre, Pool Road, Studley, B80 7QU

Residents attending will be able to have a look at the information on show, talk about the proposals, ask questions and have their say by filling out the consultation questionnaire.

If you are unable to attend any of the briefings, then you can log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue to have your say. Alternatively you can e-mail fireandrescue@warwickshire.gov.uk with any questions you may have.

Link to WCC