Deal over home for mountain rescuers

West Yorkshire Fire Authority has negotiated the sale of Marsden Fire Station to Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team (HVMRT) which had previously used the building on a part-time basis.

HVMRT have paid an undisclosed deposit and are now setting about raising a further £50,000 required to complete the purchase over the next two years.

Owen Phillips, assistant leader of HVMRT said: “After a long struggle it seems like we are finally securing a permanent base for the team.

“We greatly appreciate the opportunity West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority have given us to purchase the building, giving us security for the future and the ability to continue helping them and the other emergency services for years to come.

“We also hope that the people of Marsden will be reassured that the building will still be used as a base for rescue services, and will remain a valuable community asset.

“We know they have fought hard to support their local fire station and I believe the Fire Authority have considered this and strived to achieve an outcome that offers a benefit to the community, as well as supporting us as a charitable organisation.

“However, we’re not home and dry yet – over the next two years the team must raise considerable funds to complete the purchase and once again we must appeal to the public for their support to help us achieve this goal.”

Marsden Fire Station ceased to be operational at the end of April.

West Yorkshire Fire Authority vice chairman Judith Hughes said: “I am delighted to be able to support the HVMRT in establishing the services they provide on a permanent basis at Marsden Fire Station.”