FIREFIGHTERS performed a mock rescue at the site of a new housing development being built in the town to give them a chance to experience rescue scenarios that could potential develop on building sites with cranes.

McCarthy Stone is building a retirement living complex on the former Mountjoy School site in Flood Lane.

The site, Gordon Court, has been used for a mock crane rescue, with a realistic a training scenario for potential situations relating to tower cranes on building sites.

Mark Downing, Station Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In the event that a rescue situation arises involving a crane, it is incredibly important that we can act quickly to secure the safety of workers on site.

“Mock rescue activities such as this are incredibly valuable, providing our crews with an opportunity to practice in a real-life setting, yet with the support of being in a safe and controlled environment. We would like to thank McCarthy Stone for facilitating the session, which proved a real success.”

Lloyd Bryant, Senior Site Manager at Gordon Court on Flood Lane added: “McCarthy Stone is dedicated to prioritising health and safety on site, as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering five-star service and quality across every area of the business. Supporting the training of local emergency service teams is of utmost importance when it comes to creating a safe environment for our site workers, and we were pleased to assist with the mock rescue.”

Properties at Gordon Court are expected to be released for off plan sales in early 2022 and the first homeowners are set to be welcomed in late summer 2022.