A RECRUITMENT drive is being held tomorrow to attract more retained firefighters to an understaffed fire station.
Pump crews from Darlington or Bishop Auckland are having to drive to Barnard Castle to provider cover for the fire station, which is two firefighters short of its full complement of 18. However, with another two people retiring at the end of the year, at least four part-time firefighters are needed.
"Since the strikes, new procedures are going to be brought in which will mean we're eventually going to want closer to 20 people," said Station Officer Dave Hodgson, who is retiring after 25 years' service.
"What we really need is people who can cover during the day - from nine to five.
The recruitment meeting will take place tomorrow at Barnard Castle fire station, at 6pm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article