Published: 15/11/2009 00:00 - Updated: 28/11/2009 00:14

Rescue team after your project votes

by RICHARD CASTLE

THE search and rescue team serving Burton is appealing for the townʼs residents to help it secure vital funding that will “help save lives”.

Staffordshire Search and Rescue Team (SSART) has been finding missing people and evacuating those stranded in crises such as floods for five years.

The organisation has applied for lottery funding for a new £50,000 control vehicle to replace the 1967 Land Rover it currently uses.

But it is up against several other projects applying for the same Big Lottery Fund cash.

These include a project to build a sensory garden, which will act as a wildlife haven for birds, small mammals and insects, at Hilton Primary School.

Also competing will be the Community Against Recession (CAR) project, which aims to use the Old Post Centre, in Newhall, as a base to train those made redundant and provide social and financial support for the community.

The public will vote on who deserves the cash during a phone ballot as part of ITV Central’s People’s Millions contest during the week November 23 to 27.

SSART training officer Paul Keen said: “Our current vehicle is very restricted with one small desk to place a folded map and poor lighting. The new vehicle will have ample room to spread maps out with ample lighting and seating for our controllers.

“This project can only happen if we get people to call the number, released on the day, and register a vote. This call will cost 10p and ultimately that 10p will help to save a life.” SSART employs 54 volunteers, who are all fully-qualified in search and rescue techniques and life support.

It is a registered charity and is entirely selffunded, with all volunteers taking part in rescue operations and being dedicated to collecting and raising funds.

Those wanting to vote for SSART’s project can do so by calling the number provided live on ITV on November 26 at 6pm.

Last year, SSART was awarded a commendation from West Midlands Ambulance Service for its work in the Burton area and across the county.

The SSART website can be accessed at www.staffssearchandrescue.org and the People’s Millions website is www.peoplesmillions.or.uk/ce ntral/projects.