NEW ROMNEY NEWS

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is increasing the level of water safety resources in the Romney Marsh area as part of an ongoing review of procedures.

Firefighters at Lydd and New Romney will be given extra training, equipment and specialist clothing including life-jackets and waders.

KFRS does not have a statutory responsibility for water rescue but it does have specialist teams across the county who attend this type of incident and has decided to launch its own review of the current water safety procedures and resources in place.

This is the first phase of the review and the changes in the New Romney area are an interim arrangement which will be fully evaluated to inform future working practices.

KFRS's Head of Operational Services, Steve Demetriou, said: "The review involves risk assessments, analysing historical data and consulting with partners, local communities as well as talking to our firefighters who live and work in the area. We will also seek advice from colleagues in other fire and rescue services where there are similar types of risk.

"Although still at an early stage, the review has led to a trial of an enhanced level of resources for these two fire stations and I hope this will provide a valuable service to local people on the Romney Marsh as well as informing the overall review on water safety provision required for the whole of Kent and Medway."

KFRS has written to each of the Parish Councils in the area, informing them of the decision.

Steve Demetriou added: "Work also continues with our partner agencies about how we can encourage people to drive more safely and what other measures might be needed to prevent future accidents - such as better lighting or barriers. We believe preventing accidents is just as important as looking at equipment that might help retrieve people from water."