Rescuers need help, say MPs

FUNDING call . . . Oldham mountain rescue’s Denzil Broadhurst

THE Government will not force climbers to pay to be rescued when stuck on mountains — even if they are taking significant risks.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick fears introducing any charge could endanger life.

He was responding to a call from MPs praising the work of mountain rescue volunteers.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Mountain rescue is a service provided free of charge to anyone who needs it.

“We do not want anyone who needs help to be concerned about cost, which could endanger life. Therefore, we have no intention of introducing a charge.”

MPs called for the Government to offer financial help to mountain rescue teams, exempt the vehicles from tax, refund VAT on any equipment they buy, and consider blanket insurance cover for all of them.

Mountain rescuers estimate they save the Government £6 million a year by providing the free emergency service, but only receive £33,000 a year from the NHS.

Oldham’s team was out most recently during Monday’s snow, checking cars on moorland roads and helping a sledging accident victim at Dovestone country park.

Denzil Broadhurst, one of Oldham Mountain Rescue’s deputy team leaders, said: “Direct funding from the Government would be appreciated.

“We are not asking for everything but some help would be extremely useful.

“In Scotland, teams are given £500,000 a year by the Government. This amount doesn’t cover everything but it goes a reasonable way.”

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas said: “I am supporting the call. It is not fair Scotland and other parts of the country gets funding.

“The Pennines can be just as dangerous as the Cairngorms. Oldham’s MRT are world renowned for their experience.

“I think the taxpayer would want to support them and everyone in Oldham knows they are heroes.”