£2.5m windfall for local firefighters

GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue was last night promised more than £2.5 million for a makeover.

Fire chiefs will get £1.07 million next year and a further £1.57 million in 2010/11, Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said.

It is part of a £78 million fund which allows cash can be spent on small refurbishments, more major building works or other capital projects.

Mr Khan said: “This investment gives them all the opportunity to upgrade their buildings. This is additional money to every single Fire and Rescue Authority in the country.

“Each area will be able to decide for itself whether this extra money is used to tackle the more serious repairs, replacements or upgrades, or provide additional facilities such as those for female firefighters, or those for the community in helping spread the fire safety message across all age groups.”