Flood response team is set up in Morpeth

Jun 12 2009 by David Black, The Journal

A NEW flood rescue team has been set up in a Northumberland town hit by devastating flooding nine months ago.

Around 1,000 homes and businesses were flooded in Morpeth when the River Wansbeck burst its banks during torrential rainfall in September, with many people having to be helped out of their homes.

Now a specialist water rescue operations unit has been set up at the town’s fire station to provide a speedier and more efficient local response in the event of any repeat of the catastrophe.

Funding was provided by the Environment Agency to establish the team, which is made up of 15 first responders, six technicians and three instructors from the county’s fire and rescue service.

The crew, which was trained in Wales, will be equipped with an inflatable boat, rescue sled, dry suits, personal protective equipment and a special vehicle for hard to reach areas.

While based in Morpeth it will serve the whole county, and there are plans to set up similar units for the north and west in the future.

Northumberland’s chief fire officer, Brian Hesler, said: “This new team will further improve our rescue capabilities, and also our resilience in terms of our response to water-related incidents.’’