Today Richard Holden MP visited Consett Community Fire Station. Halfway through his summer surgery tour (the details for which you can find here) Mr Holden, as well as taking surgeries all day, has met with the Fire Service as part of his plan to meet the local emergency services, learn more about how they keep their towns and villages safe and hear their concerns.
He started his visited to the fire station by hearing about all the prevention action undertaken by the Fire Service. As part of a strategy to reduce the risk of emergencies, the fire service perform business property fire safety checks, alarm checks as well helping install smoke alarms and teaching people about how to act in case of a fire, helping plan escape routes.
Richard Holden MP then followed the team outside where he watched the them drill, impressed to hear about the breath of the training from radio training to wildfires. Sadly, one of the most common emergencies in North West Durham is road traffic accidents and Mr Holden was given a demonstration of the tools used to rescue people for vehicles damaged in a crash.
Richard Holden MP came away with a better understanding of how the Fire Service operates both in emergencies but also in teaching fire safety to local people. Mr Holden hopes to meet more emergency service members such as the Weardale Mountain Rescue Service and St John's Ambulance and hear about the work they do to keep us all safe.
Commenting, Richard Holden MP, said:
"I thank the Consett Fire Service not only for their work but for taking the time to show me how much they do and how they keep the people of North West Durham safe day and night.
"To hear some of the stories and get a better understanding of how they not only fight fire but engage directly with local people is both fascinating and reassuring.
"As well as answering some of my questions, I was pleased I could answer some of theirs, as I listened to the points the raised. Therein lies the value of such visits, to be able to speak directly and so I look forward to meeting other emergency service members across our constituency."