The ribbon was officially cut at a new state-of-the art fire station today after months of waiting.
The Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, officially opened the new station in Sniperley Park, Durham, more than a month after it was brought into use.
During the visit guests were invited to tour the purpose-built station, which includes state-of-the-art training facilities as well as space and meeting rooms for use by community groups.
Susan Johnson, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are pleased that the Bishop of Durham and so many of our partners were able to join us today to officially open this impressive new community fire station. This building is now well positioned to serve those people living and working in Durham as well as visitors to our region for many years to come. These fantastic facilities will allow us to continue to provide an efficient and effective response to incidents, meet the training needs of our firefighters and establish a useful community hub, which local people and groups can use for meetings and events.”
The station was first used on February 11 just ten months after the ground work for the build began on 1 April 2014.
This new building, located just off the A691 with good links to the A1, is strategically situated to access main arterial roads heading to all areas of County Durham and Darlington.
It will host five fire vehicles along with Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team.
Councillor Michele Hodgson, chairwoman of County Durham and Darlington Fire Authority, said: “The completion of this new station is just one part of the Fire Authority’s estates improvement programme.
“Despite the challenges posed by budget reductions, prudent financial planning has allowed the Service to invest in modernising fire stations, training facilities and a move to a fit for purpose headquarters building.”
The new station replaces the fire station on Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor, which served the community for 60 years and has now been sold.
Source: chroniclelive.co.uk