Sponsored by
Warwickshire fire chief welcomes 4x4 drivers funding news
A VOLUNTARY group of drivers who use their vehicles to help people in Warwickshire in all weather conditions have been given a Big Lottery Funding grant.
The Midland Rover Owners Club 4x4 Response, a sub-group of the long-established MROC, is a volunteer organisation which has formed a partnership with local authorities and brings assistance in emergency situations when the vehicles can be of unique use.
One such example was the severe snows of last winter when the members drove palliative and critical care medical staff to terminally ill patients to administer medication but other instances have seen the volunteers deployed in welfare checks on stranded motorists, area searches and evacuation assistance.
The funding of £9,846 has allowed the group to develop its response service, purchasing protective clothing and enabling members to train and certificate in off-road driving, winching techniques and vehicle recovery thus increasing capacity to support a growing geographical area which includes Coventry and Solihull.
Graeme Smith has applauded the work of the volunteers and expressed delight that they have received funds to enable them to broaden their remit. He said: “This is very welcome help to a group who carry out an incredible service to communities – not just their own – and which relies on the generosity and good will of its volunteers.
“It means that there will be more support for emergency services when destinations are snowed in, flooded or off road.
1/2
“Their support can make a critical difference to emergency services and other public bodies and how effectively they can respond at times of need.
“It is typical of the volunteers’ positive attitude towards putting something back into communities that this richly deserved grant has been earmarked for developing the service to increase its capacity. We are delighted to have them as a partner, helping us to protect the people of Warwickshire.”
Anybody interested in supporting the volunteers should contact John Kesterton at response@mroc.co.uk
Further information on what to do in the event of an emergency can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshireprepared with links to the twitter feeds of Warwickshire School Closures, Warwickshire Gritting, Warwickshire News and other useful sites for current information.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Rugby
Friday 18 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.