3:09pm Monday 17th May 2010
By Peter Magill
THIS is the first look at a mountain rescue head-quarters which is set to be the catalyst for a £500,000 fundraising drive.
Rescue volunteers from the Rossendale and Pendle team are on course to deal with more than 100 callouts this year.
Called into action frequently during the cold snap earlier this year, the flurry of activity reinforced the need to replace their home of 40 years, in Clegg Street, Haslingden.
Mountain rescuers provided a vital lifeline to paramedics across Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle and further afield, as their equipment could transport patients to waiting ambulances on ice-hit roads.
Team chairman Graham Dalley said: “When we moved into Clegg Street, the team was dealing with a mere eight or nine calls in a year.
“But recent years have seen the callout rate rise rapidly, with the snow and ice of last December and January contributing to unprecedented demand on team resources.”
The team now has 46 members, who all need training. Clegg Street only has garaging for two vehicles, while the organisation owns four.
An estimated £80,000 can be recouped by selling the existing base and a fundraising drive will be started if planning permission for the new premises in Manchester Road, Haslingden, is secured.
Mr Dalley added: “To be honest, this should have been done 10 years ago but, because we are a team of volunteers and are always busy, it has taken a lot longer to sort out.
"The new base would make life so much easier and we hope the council gets behind it.”
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