Councillor back funding for firefighting vehicles

The OIC’s policy and resources committee has recommended that funding be approved for five new four-wheel drive firefighting vehicles for use at airfields in the North Isles.

If agreed by full council, there will be a procurement exercise before the fire tenders are supplied to Eday, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray by 2016.

A new fire-fighting tender for North Ronaldsay airfield was delivered in 2013.

The replacement of the current fire appliances, which are becoming outdated, forms part of a new North Isles Airports Strategy. This was debated recently and recommended for approval by the development and infrastructure committee.

According to the OIC,  the aim is to ensure the continuation of the excellent safety record for lifeline air services to Orkney’s isles communities.