New sewers used by firefighters for training
FIREFIGHTERS from Hinckley scrambled through sewers as part of a training exercise.
The emergency responders went down a 1.6m diameter sewer that is under construction, in Leicester Road in Hinckley.
Severn Trent is carrying out a £1.5m sewer improvement project in the town.
The group is expanding the sewer network to increase capacity and so reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
James Arkesden, who leads the project, said: “We realised that the new sewers we’re install- ing would provide the fire and rescue service with the perfect opportunity to carry out a training exercise.
“We worked with them to set up the exercise and had staff on site while it took place.
He added: “We’re always happy to help the emergency services.
“Events like this will help us to develop best practice and allow us to work more closely together in the future.”
Paul Weston is area manager for safer communities at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: “It gave us a real opportunity to take part in some confined space rescue training which we don’t get to do very often.
“It’s vital that we always look to enhance the skillset of our firefighters, preparing them for all incident types.
“Hopefully, we’ll get futher opportunities to work Severn Trent in the future.”
The improvement project is on track to be completed by the Autumn. Works are going on in the area around Island Close and Ashby Road cemetery, as well as on Leicester Road.
Multiple flood alerts were issued for Hinckley last November, following heavy downpours.
Clarendon Park was affected by a number of floods during the 2015/16 winter months.
In May 2015, Lower Bond Street was disrupted by an impromptu ford at the junction of King Street, as drains overflowed.
Warnings were also issued about potential flooding affecting Leicestershire in June last year, and March showers led to flash floods affecting roads in Desford, Ratby and Newtown Unthank.