Crews are now mobilised and ready for action at Bury's new Community Fire Station as the doors open to a new era of fire and rescue service provision in the town.

Last week local councillors and members of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority got a sneak preview of the this newest Community Fire Station, when they were treated to VIP tour of the new building by members of Bury's borough management team and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's (GMFRS) finance and estates teams who have overseen the building work since it began in September 2011.

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Facilities at the new £1.8m station, which was built by Kier Construction, include a borough command, gym, double drill tower for training, quiet room, sensory garden, and a community room which can be used by partner agencies and other community groups including the ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) Café. There is also a caged soccer facility which will be taken out to youngsters in the community and run by operational staff who are fully trained football coaches.

The facility has been awarded 'Excellent' BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) accreditation – making it one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in Bury and one of the most energy efficient fire stations in the country.

Bury Councillor, Alan Matthews, said: "I think the new station is marvellous and really puts the community at the heart of the station. Now the public will have the chance to get involved with their local firefighters and the station, especially young people and I think that’s important because hopefully it will help to bring down anti-social behaviour and attacks on firefighters."

(CD/GK)