Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sargeant has officially opened the refurbished accommodation facilities at the Fire-fighter Training Centre at Earlswood, Briton Ferry.
The improved welfare facilities are thanks to a £750,000 grant from the Welsh Government and include sleeping accommodation for 12 persons, eight shower cubicles with integral changing facilities as well as a communal lounge area.
Carl Sargeant said:
“This welfare facility will bring a number of benefits to the Fire and Rescue Authorities, its firefighters and other emergency service partners, in the shape of up to date facilities, increased training capacity and equality and diversity.
“Concerns about the welfare facilities were highlighted to me when I visited the site in May 2010 and I was therefore pleased to be able to be able to further support ongoing improvements to the site.”
The Minister congratulated the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their dedication and commitment in pursuing and delivering the development to a tight timescale.
He added:
“I am extremely impressed by the speed of delivery of the new building as well as the finished result.”
Chief Fire Officer Richard Smith said that the provision of the new accommodation and welfare facilities at Earlswood enables the Service to improve the level of building assets at the site.
He added:
“Firefighters deserve to be housed in accommodation that enables them to prepare for Risk Critical Training Courses, and to create a positive learning environment as part of the Team ethos. This would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Welsh Government, and in particular the Minister with responsibility for the Fire & Rescue Service, Carl Sargeant.”
