Churchill helps Bicester fire crew get a head for heights

Churchill Living’s new development in Bicester has been turned into a training ground by local firefighters practising vital Working at Height skills.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Bicester Fire Station team carried out a number of training exercises at the site on St John’s Street on the evening of Tuesday 13th August. 

Watch Manager Coral Hollis said: “We were joined by the Rescue Tender from Kidlington Fire Station who enabled us to carry out training in a unique location! It didn’t take locals long to spot us…

“Churchill kindly provided our crew their crane, where we got to test and refresh our Working at Height skills. This included climbing and descending using our harness and lanyards, assessing anchor points, rescue techniques, team communication and traversing the jib.

“For anyone that attended our open day and experienced the height of the Hydraulic Platform… The height of this crane exceeds that! At an incident, we may request specialist advice and skills from the site management and crane operator, and it was great to start building these communication channels.”

Churchill Living’s Construction Manager Rob Walker added: “When we are starting at a new site we’re always happy to help the local emergency services by offering use of the site for training purposes, and assist in whatever way we can to enable them to carry on with the fantastic work that they do.”

The new development will comprise 38 new apartments specially designed to give over 60s the freedom to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. As with all Churchill developments, those who move in will have the benefits of a communal Owners’ Lounge, a Guest Suite, a Lodge Manager, and a 24 hour emergency call alarm service.