Public protection for rural areas meeting (From This is The West Country)

Public protection for rural areas meeting

8:00pm Sunday 2nd August 2009 in Devon By Mid Devon Star Reporter

ORGANISATIONS with a responsibility and interest in protecting the public in rural areas have met to discuss and explore how they can work better together to protect the public.

The Safety Summit was led by Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell and Chief Superintendent Jo Tennant.

Agencies attending included both the Exmoor and Dartmoor Search and Rescues, British Red Cross, Devon Primary Care Trust, South West Ambulance Service, Avon & Somerset Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, South West Water, Balfour Beatty, representatives from the County Council, District and Unitary Councils as well as Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.

Static displays also provided a backdrop and an overview of capability of respective agencies.

While the event was an opportunity for key individuals of each organisation to meet and share information, a number of commitments to improve ways of working and information sharing were given.

Chief Superintendent Jo Tennant said: “Events such as these help organisations to better prepare for emergencies and the result is that the public will be safer.

"The public can rest assured that those who provide assistance in times of need are talking to each other and improving arrangements all the time.”

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “I was very pleased with the support and enthusiasm shown by partners in attending this event.

"The public rightly expect and receive a high standard from our emergency services and by working together more effectively, we can further improve public safety to continue to ensure that Devon and Somerset is a safe place to live, work end enjoy.”