True community fire station and learning centre opened: North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has recently opened a true community fire station combined with a learning centre for local adult education. The project began two years ago with an approach from the Learning Skills Council - Community Safety

In January 2001, CFO Eric Clark met with David Harbourne CEO North Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council (LSC)--which is the national funding body for post-16 education--to explore ways of collaborating in learning projects.

Mr Harbourne stated that the LSC were keen to establish rural community learning centres but had been severely hampered due to the lack of suitable premises. The use of retained fire stations as learning centres was raised. Their use would firstly make the fire station a contact point for community fire safety and maximise the use of the premises. Secondly, it would help to fulfil the LSC's remit to establish community adult learning centres.

An approach had previously been made to the brigade by a group .of people at Robin Hoods Bay to ask if they could use the recreation room during the winter months for talks and presentations. It was because of this approach that Robin Hoods Bay was chosen to be the focus of a feasibility study. The study involved meetings with the local firefighters, Fylingdales Parish Council and Whitby Community Education who all enthusiastically welcomed the idea. The fire fighters carded out a straw poll of their friends and neighbours. The poll demonstrated that there was considerable interest in the idea.

Planning and change of use consent was obtained from The North Yorkshire Moors National Park planning committee. Costings were produced for the required refurbishment and fitting out of the learning suite with furniture and computer equipment.

The results of the study were presented to the LSC, who undertook to provide full funding of the project. Contracts were drawn up and a unique partnership was established between the Learning Skills Centre and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

LEARNING PROVIDERS

In July 2002 the LSC invited local learning providers to tender for the provision of the learning at the centre. The result of this was a unique learning collaboration comprising:

* Whitby Community Education;

* Whitby Business Development Agency;

* Target Training (York);

* The Workers Education Agency;

* Linton Business Support; and

* The Open University.

During August the learning partnership undertook a comprehensive survey of all the homes and business in the area. The results of the survey have formed the basis of the type of learning offered. Target Training will offer Learn Direct courses to NYFRS personnel and their immediate families.

BUILDING REFURBISHMENT

The firefighters were consulted and included in the refurbishment planning. The refurbishment was completed during September and included:

* Modifications and new furniture in the station office;

* New exterior lighting;

* Exhaust extraction system;

* Emergency lighting;

* Burglar alarm;

* Toilets redecorated and fitted out with hand dryers, soap dispensers etc;

* Storeroom fitted out with a Belfast sink, water heater etc for general use and BA servicing;

* Kitchen completely refurbished and equipped;

* Recreation room/learning suite completely refurbished and decorated, including special lighting, rewiring, carpets, furniture, blinds, white board, projection screen etc.

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY SUITE

The equipment provided includes six top specification PCs with TFT flat screens and the latest software. The PCs are linked via a wireless network to a mono laser printer, A3 colour printer, scanner and two digital cameras. A ceiling mounted LCD projector is also provided.

DISABLED FACILITIES

A 21-inch monitor is available for use by those with a visual impairment. An infrared hearing loop has also been installed to assist those who are hard of hearing. Unfortunately, the learning suite is not available to wheelchair users as access is via a small flight of steps. A five-year plan will include the provision of wheelchair access.

SECURITY

All doors and windows have been fitted with new locks, the appliance bay is fully lockable and the learning suite is fitted with an alarm system.

WHAT HAS IT ALL COST?

The brigade has paid 3,000 [pounds sterling] for the installation of an exhaust extraction system (which was part of an ongoing installation programme) and the project management costs. The refurbishment and fitting out costs of 35,000 [pounds sterling] were met in full by the LSC. The learning providers and the LSC will cover ongoing costs, Internet access and maintenance of the IT suite.

HOW WILL IT BE RUN?

The learning partnership will ensure that a responsible person is in attendance whenever the centre is open and all learners will receive a full induction. The learning partners are fully aware that the fire station is operational 24 hrs a day and as a result of this there is to be no on-site parking.

A management committee has been formed comprising:

* Three firefighters;

* Two members of the Parish Council;

* Two members of the Learning Partnership; and

* One LSC representative.

The committee agree the programme for the use of the building. The initial agreement is for use on three weekdays, three evenings and Saturday morning.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

The refurbishment and installation of the IT equipment is now complete. The centre was used for taster sessions during the week commencing November 4, 2002 and opened officially on December 2, 2002.

A series of open evenings for members of the brigade are underway.

WERE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS?

None are apparent as yet. Planning and implementation of the project involved the brigade's Asset Manager, Bob Hulmes, and local firefighters at all times. The brigade's approved contractors carried out the refurbishment work to a very high standard and the project was managed throughout by Dennis Newton as a Brigade Training Provider.

The community involvement, pride in the completed centre and the establishment of a unique partnership have made it all worthwhile.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

The LSC has identified further locations of seven retained stations, where they wish to fund learning centres between now and April 2004. The concept of Community Safety Fire Stations has been realised and the LSC nationally are keen to see if this partnership success can be "rolled out" in other areas of the country.

If any brigades are interested, please contact DO Steve Cluderay on tel: 01609 788573.

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