Firefighters want the people of Cleobury Mortimer (population 2,500) to come and visit the town’s new look fire station which has just been refurbished.
A special ceremony to formally re-dedicate the station takes place on Saturday, September 11, from 10am to 1pm when the public is invited to attend.
Brigade chaplain Rev Peter Barnes will traditionally bless the new building and Councillor Stuart West, chairman of Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority, will unveil a plaque to commemorate the event.
An appeal has also gone out to residents to put themselves forward to join the 12 strong team of retained firefighters who turn out to emergency fire and rescue calls in the region.
The fire and rescue service in Cleobury Mortimer is run by retained firefighters who live or work five minutes from the station. They train weekly, attend emergency call outs and often have full time jobs or are self employed. Their employers allow them to leave work at a moments notice to answer a call for the good of the community.
Retained Support Officer Dave Jennings said: “We need people who live in the area who can provide fire cover during the busy 8am to 6pm part of the day. Anyone who is physically fit and aged over 18 is encouraged to apply.”
In 1955, the fire station, next door police station and police house were built at a joint cost of £7,815, four shillings and ninepence, he revealed.
“There were no showers, a single male toilet, very small kitchen and no office facilities. It was a building typical of its time.”
The building has now been transformed at a cost of £194,000 to include disabled access, modern toilets, office, lecture room, shower, kitchen, with a kit drying room and a cleaning area for breathing apparatus.
“We want to invite all the people of Cleobury Mortimer to come and see their new look fire station and meet their 12 local firefighters. It is their 21st century fire station,” said Mr Jennings.
A display of eight fire appliances will be in the car park in Station Road on the open day including a chip pan demonstration unit. Fire safety advice and a recruitment stand will also be available.
