Ex-firefighter is getting kids back into fire stations after Covid layoff
03.03.2023 - 20:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
School trips to the fire station were once the norm before the Covid pandemic and have since struggled to make a full return, until now.
Schoolchildren across Wigan are taking part in an initiative to educate them on the dangers of fire and other accidents. The state-of-the-art Community Fire Safety Centre based in Bury will now host youngsters from the borough thanks to a new scheme providing transport to and from Wigan.
The initiative has been led by ex-Wigan Borough Fire Commander, Councillor John Harding and supported by his Atherleigh ward colleague, Councillor Debra Wailes following a pre-Covid motion at full council.
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This motion to provide funded transport was unanimously supported and provided by Wigan Council before coronavirus destablised the world in 2020. Lockdown put a hold on things, but now that schools are running more normally, the project is back on track.
This is a strong passion for Coun Harding, who is keen to ensure the safety of children when it comes to fire risk. As a former firefighter himself, this is of “paramount” importance to him.
“I have seen the devastating results of fires many times over a long career and ensuring our children are aware of the dangers is paramount to me,” Coun Harding said. “This project will go a long way to keeping them safe and, as they become adults, their children too.”
Coun Harding and Coun Wailes held meetings with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, council support staff, and Rik Tapper, the Sales Manager of Tyrers Coaches recently to get the ball rolling. The local coach company has supported the project by providing transport at a large