A CHILDHOOD dream came true for three Halton councillors when they were taken for a ride in a fire engine!

It was all part of a visit to Widnes fire station by Rob Polhill, Stan Hill and Stan Parker, Halton's three representatives on the recently formed combined fire authority.

They meet at Cheshire fire brigade HQ in Winsford every three months with four Warrington councillors and 14 councillors from New Cheshire.

They are responsible for Cheshire's 24 fire stations and 700 full and part-time staff.

They have to make sure the brigade, which serves one million people, keeps within budget.

At present, it costs less than six pence per person per day.

This week, Halton's three members were invited have a look round Widnes fire station, see their latest hi-tech equipment and meet some firefighters.

Rob Polhill, vice-chairman of the combined fire authority, said: "These lads do a great job. We want them to realise they are highly valued by the local community.

"They see some horrific sights - not just at fires, but at road accidents. If you are in trouble, they are often the first ones who turn up."

Cllr Polhill said he was particularly interested in the fire safety programmes the fire service was carrying out with schoolchildren.

He said: "We are keen to help with the education of young people."

Councillors accompanied firefighters on a visit to the creche at Kingsway leisure centre where children tried on fire helmets and sat in a fire engine.

Widnes sub-officer Rob McDonald is co-ordinating a series of community initiatives to highlight fire safety week - September 29 to October 3.

Firefighters will be handing out leaflets in Morrisons and will be staging a display of fire hazards in the home and inviting children to try and identify them.

Local DIY stores are being asked to offer a £1 off smoke alarms during the week. Manbys has already agreed.

Forty local companies are being approached to donate £5 to help buy smoke detectors for the elderly and needy. A similar scheme last year raised enough money for 30 detectors.

Firefighters will be visiting all reception class children who have just started school in the coming weeks with their fire safety video.

Staff in elderly person's homes are being reminded about the procedure for evacuating residents and fire safety.

False alarms to shops, offices and industrial premises have fallen dramatically following talks with local companies about moving smoke detectors or glass alarm boxes which may be prone to attacks by vandals.

The number of malicious 999 calls has also been greatly reduced after tapes of the recorded calls have been used as evidence.

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