ROSS-on-Wye Fire Station is to get a new facility to enable firefighters to train at height.

Herefordshire planners have approved the application for the construction of a new three storey working at height training facility, to be based at the fire station in the town’s Gloucester Road.

The Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service explained to the planners that the service currently has a number of working at height training facilities, but admitted that it was lacking in the southern part of its operation.

“To provide greater opportunity for operational staff to maximise their training time and increase opportunity to maintain competences, the service has identified a need to provide a new working at height training facility at Ross-on-Wye Fire Station,” the service stated.

“At present, South Herefordshire fire stations have no access to such a facility. By providing a working at height facility at Ross, the southern area would be well supported and provide greater opportunity for training for new and existing staff.”

Traditional drill towers have been built out of brick while this application is for a steel construction.

The planning officer in her report to the authority, observed that this training facility would help safeguard its retention by facilitating a modern, fit for purpose, fire station.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council supported this application.