Emergency crews across Cambridgeshire are enjoying improved station facilities thanks to an infrastructure investment by the county’s fire service.
Lindum Peterborough has carried out work at six stations to improve and upgrade changing areas, toilet and kitchen facilities, rest rooms and gyms.
Most recently, investment has been made at Chatteris Fire Station, where the co-location of ambulance crews has led to the need for additional space for staff.
Work has included improved areas for technical training, welfare facilities to meet health and safety standards, and additional storage areas for personal protective equipment.
Lindum was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process and overseen by Contracts Manager Gary Burton, who until recently was also a retained firefighter for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, based out of Holbeach.
Gary worked for the service for 25 years. He joined in Long Sutton while working for a small building company and after 15 years, moved to Holbeach.
“I was initially involved in work at Stanground Fire Station and during a site meeting, the client was explaining details of how the station operated. I reassured him that I had an appreciation of how building work could potentially interfere with the vital job they do as I was actually an on-call firefighter myself”, he said.
“The insight I had proved to be of real benefit when the building work began. I could pre-empt problems that perhaps wouldn’t usually have been obvious – such as keeping particular internal routes clear of materials in case of emergency call outs.
“The client also knew I fully appreciated the impact of affecting services to the station, meaning there was no chance decisions would be made to cut power or disconnect cables without thorough communication.”
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Property Manager Maurice Moore said: “Over the last few years we’ve been investing in our fire stations to ensure that they meet the demands of the Service and improve the environment for our staff.
“The investment allows for greater collaboration with our blue light colleagues from the Police and Ambulance Service, and supports our new emergency delivery model.
“As well as the specialist requirements of construction and modifications of fire stations, Lindum was really understanding and accommodating of the 24 hour needs of the Service, and delivered an excellent standard of work across the board.”
In addition to the work at Chatteris, Lindum has completed improvements work at stations in Ely, Huntingdon, March, Stanground and Thorney. On top of this, work was completed at the Huntingdon Training Centre to establish a command training and assessment facility, perfect for new officers taking charge of emergency situations.
In recognition of the ongoing partnership between Lindum and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Lindum is sponsoring the men’s football team tracksuit tops this season.
