The Home Office has confirmed that funding will be maintained for Buckinghamshire’s Urban Search and Rescue Service.
The specialist unit based at Aylesbury Fire Station was under threat of imminent closure due to budget pressures.
Local MP Rob Butler appealed to the Fire Minister Chris Philp MP to reverse the decision, and the local MP has now been told the service will stay open until at least April 2025.
Speaking after the announcement, Rob said: “I’ve seen for myself the crucial role the Urban Search And Rescue service plays to keep our communities safe in Bucks and further afield, so as soon as I heard it was threatened with closure I appealed to the Fire Minister to reconsider. I am absolutely delighted that the Home Office has listened to my arguments and promised to continue funding for two more years. Bucks USAR’s dedicated team do a brilliant job each and every day, often in dangerous circumstances – that’s why it is one of the best units of its kind in the country, with the awards to prove it. I will now continue working with our local Chief Fire Officer, Jason Thelwell QFM, and the local Fire Authority Chairman, Cllr Simon Rouse, to convince the Home Office and Treasury to ensure this vital service is fully funded beyond 2025.”
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