Harper Adams University opens gates for fire rescue training
Shropshire's Harper Adams University has welcomed firefighters on campus to train their off-road vehicles.
The university, near Newport, and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have reached an agreement that will see the service’s 4x4 driver training take place on university grounds.
This will provide the service with a safe environment to maintain their essential driving skills.
Station manager James Bainbridge said: “The location we used previously for the training was no longer accessible, so we really jumped at the chance to work with another local organisation.
"We have many 4x4 vehicles around the county that provide vital emergency response and support functions to the communities of Shropshire.
"We pride ourselves on being able to reach people when they need us most, so maintaining the capability to navigate some of the trickier terrain in Shropshire is very important.
"We have always enjoyed a productive relationship with Harper Adams University and it is fantastic that we are now able to use their outdoor driving facilities to enable our staff to keep their skills at the high level required to make Shropshire safer.
"Working in alliance with the university has also paved the way for us to engage with the student body about fire prevention during fresher’s week and other events.”
The university welcomed the partnership. Ian Pryce, business development officer at Harper Adams University, said: "We were delighted at Harper Adams University to be able to provide our facilities for the off-road driver training for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. This builds on an already long standing relationship as SFRS have provided road safety training for both our staff and students."
