Saffron Walden firefighters moved back into their home station on Hill Street this week following five weeks of essential building works including the fitment of new electric bay doors at the fire station.

For the duration of the building works the local crew relocated to Barrell Resolve House on Shire Hill Industrial Estate, Saffron Walden, thanks to local businessman Greg Vinyard.

Barrell Resolve offered the free use of their factory facility for the safe and secure storage of the fire engines and firefighters’ personal protective equipment.

Over the five week period, crews turned out from their Shire Hill base approximately 30 times, often seeing a much improved turn out time due to a number of the Retained fire crew working in close proximity to the BRL site on the same industrial estate.

During a presentation at the Shire Hill Factory on Friday, March 13, Station Officer Paul Curtis handed Greg and his team a token gesture in appreciation for the use of the facilities.

“We are extremely grateful for the support Greg and his team have given the local ECFRS fire crew during the building works at Saffron Walden Fire Station,” he said.

“Greg and his team surpassed our expectations and really went that extra mile to make us feel welcome.

“I applaud Greg for helping us to maintain a full level of service in order to keep the local community safe.”

Stn O Curtis added: “I am also grateful for the to the crew, in particular firefighter Brian Foster for helping me and assistant divisional officer Kevin Haywood to bring the temporary arrangements together.

“Greg and Brian are both local businessmen who have worked to support each other in the past.”

Stn O Curtis also wished to place on record his gratitude to the ECFRS.

He said “A significant amount of investment has taken place at Saffron Walden Fire Station for which we’re extremely grateful.

“It now sees the station fit for the future and at the same time the station facelift looks really smart indeed, one which we will cherish and be proud of.”

Barrell Resolve provides storage and archiving facilities for confidential paperwork for all sectors of the business community. The company also provides confidential waste shredding and recycling services.

Mr Vinyard said: “I am very pleased that I have been able to support our local fire station.

“My staff and I have really enjoyed having the firefighters here at BRL.

“It’s opened our eyes a little seeing how the retained arm of fire service operates within local communities and the essential service that they provide in keeping us all safe.”