By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:00, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Fire minister Bob Neill MP was cut free from a car at the opening of a new fire station in Carlisle.

Bob Neill, in the driver’s seat, is cut free

The Carlisle East Community Fire on Eastern Way, Durranhill, is spacious and has better training facilities, the minister heard.

It is the third of five new fire stations to open, and the second in the city as part of the largest fire sector Private Finance Initiative project in the UK.

Mr Neill had a tour of the station yesterday with Cumbria’s chief fire officer Dominic Harrison before he cut a ribbon and took part in a demonstration.

Speaking to the News & Star, Mr Neill denied that a centralised control room in Cheshire – where Cumbria’s fire calls are now answered – was putting lives at risk because the call handlers don’t know the geography of the county.

He said: “I don’t think that’s the case at all. If it was the scheme would never have been recommended by managers. They are professionals and I trust their judgement.

“Carlisle now has some of the best facilities in terms of modern equipment and training.

“We always have to be vigilant and I want to thank the firefighters here for all the hard work that they do, particularly in the floods. This is a modern, community fire station – a fantastic facility.”

The new fire station also has special windows in which road safety messages can be broadcast.

It is also adorned with photographs of flooding in Carlisle and a picture of a fire at the Nestle factory in Dalston, as well as art from Derek Eland.

A 72-year-old brass fire pole, which came from the old fire station at Rickergate, now has a new home in the station.

Group manager Justin Robinson, of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “It is the only relic from the old station to move to our new base. It’s an important piece of history.

“The facilities for training here are great. We have more space and we’ve got a tower.”

Manager Kevin Johnson said: “It’s a great base because we can train at a height, do sewer training and work on road traffic accidents.”

Gary Strong, cabinet member for community safety and local services, said: “The new fire station is a much better working environment for all staff.

“The improved facilities will meet the changing needs and modern practices of the service.”

The other new fire station in Carlisle is on Brookside, Raffles. New stations will also open in Penrith and Workington.

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk