A mountain rescue team are seeking a new base in the heart of East Lancashire to help them deal with the increase in demand for their volunteer services.
Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, who currently have bases in Burnley and Haslingden, are looking to move from their base in Clegg Street, which is no longer fit for purpose, and find a more suitable site somewhere in Haslingden or Rawtenstall.
The start of 2021 saw the team called-out 21 times in January, making them one of the busiest volunteer mountain rescue units in the whole country.
A spokesperson for the team said: "Well 2021 has certainly been a busy start for the team with 21 callouts in January, making us currently one of the busiest teams in England.
"As always, things are ever evolving with the team and one major development is the choice to find a new base in the Rossendale valley.
"We have two bases currently - one in Burnley just off Rossendale Road and our historic base on Clegg Street in Haslingden.
Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team assisting a woman who was injured whilst sledging
"We have these bases as a strategic answer to the inclement weather we face in our operating area on different sides of the valley.
"The base in Haslingden has been active since the 60’s but is no longer fit for purpose.
"So now we need the help of the public and are calling on our amazing supporters and their contacts, to help us source a new base in the heart of the valley.
"We ideally need a secure garage/unit in the Haslingden or Rawtenstall area."
The mountain rescue team is essentially a charity and relies on donations from the public to continue providing their services, from assisting the police and ambulance in hard to reach places, to carrying out difficult rescues using specialist equipment.
The spokesperson added: "As a charity and in the current climate we can’t afford to waste money, so we’re hoping someone, an entrepreneur, business or council member can help us find something urgently to avoid any gap in the presence we have in Rossendale."
If you see the value in the rescue service they provide 24/7, 365 days a year, and think you can help, please get in touch with the mountain rescue team via Facebook.
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