Shropshire search and rescue team issues a help call of its own
They save lives across Shropshire, helping out in times of flood or to trace missing people. But for years, those involved in the Shropshire branch of West Mercia Search and Rescue have been forced to work out of tiny garages.
They have now found themselves a new base in Shifnal and are appealing for help to renovate it and make it fit for purpose.
West Mercia Search and Rescue covers Shropshire, Hereford and Worcestershire.
And in 2012 it opened a second base in Telford. Although the team's base is there, its volunteers are spread county-wide.
Volunteers say they were allowed to rent small garages to keep their equipment at a reduced rate.
But if someone came forward who would rent it for more they had to leave, and in the last six months they had to move three times.
Volunteers say they are delighted to now have a permanent base, and are looking forward to getting it up to standard.
But they are appealing for anyone who can donate the supplies to make the unit on Shifnal Industrial Estate safe and ready for them to move things in.
Richard Tyrell said: "The main thing is security, the door you come in through is just PVC and someone could easily bend it.
"As you can imagine, some of the kit we use is quite desirable."
As well as shutters and CCTV to secure the site, they need glaziers to put in new windows and are approaching local businesses who might donate off-cuts of carpet or flooring and other materials. Stuart Tyrer added: "We have got the skills, some of us are chippies, but if anyone wants to donate their time it gives us chance to work on the kit."
The rescue team was first started in June 2007 and got charity status in 2008 – beginning as a group of volunteers from Worcester who were enthusiastic in water rescue and later trained as first responders.
In 2010 members received commendations from the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their 'above and beyond' response during Worcester's floods that year.
A year later the group was given a grant from Defra to train and equip a team who can rescue people from flooding anywhere in the UK, expanding the team to 24 members.
It is now a member of the Association of Lowland Search and Rescue, which governs the provision and training of teams.
Its volunteers have helped in the search for April Jones in Machynlleth in April 2012, in the search for Georgia Williams in Wellington in May 2013 and the search for Thomas Bebbington in November last year.
Volunteers are on call 24-hours a day.
A registered charity, no-one who works for search and rescue is paid for their time.
