Joint fire and police base a first for county
SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S only joint fire and police station became operational for the first time yesterday in a move bosses say will help the services work better together.
Firefighters have started attending 999 calls from the station in Maltby, near Rotherham, after work was carried out to modify the existing police station in Byford Road so fire service vehicles and staff could be based there.
The project, which has resulted in the closure of the old fire station in Maltby High Street, was paid for with Government Transformation Funding of £560,000.
Senior officers say it means South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue can share running costs and funding can be focused on the front line.
The move has shifted fire service resources around a mile closer to the east side of Rotherham, which traditionally accounts for a greater volume of emergency incidents compared to lower-risk areas to the east of Maltby.
It is hoped that it will improve services by making it easier for police and firefighters to share knowledge, skills and expertise when tackling common issues, like anti-social behaviour and road accidents.
Chief Fire Officer James Courtney said: “This new facility is the first of its kind in South Yorkshire and represents the best possible, physical example of our commitment to work more closely with our emergency service partners.
“By working alongside each other under one roof, we think the move will benefit both organisations by improving how we work together to solve problems we both face.”
Chief Superintendent Rob Odell, district commander for Rotherham, said: “I’ve no doubt that this joint venture will help us to provide a more co-ordinated service to the public, particularly on issues dealt with by both services.”