Search for two missing in River Wye at Swainshill

[Ubique]

From BBC Hereford and Worcester ,update 0733

 

River Wye search for two missing people near Hereford

A search is under way for two missing people in the River Wye, Hereford Fire & Rescue Service has reported.

 

The alarm was raised during the night and firefighters were called to the river in Swainshill at about 03:40 BST.

 

Police have closed the A438 near Hereford while a search is carried out.

 

Traffic is being diverted between the turn for Bridge Sollers and the A480.

[dippyhippy]

Two kayakers have been found following a four hour search.

 

Good, I'm glad they're safe and well.

 

But am I the only one wondering why on earth folks were kayaking down the River Wye at 3 O'clock in the morning.......???

[Denise Lloyd]

Naturally I am glad they are safe.  How grossly irresponsible of them.  A stretch of community service for them would not go amiss.  Also a letter of apology from these 2 people for all the commuters they inconvenienced this morning.  Lastly a very apologetic letter to all emergency services called out to search for them. 

[George Armstrong]

That's a very good point. I understand that the Fire Service can reclaim their costs off your insurers if you crash your car. Does anyone know if the Police, Ambulance, Council, Coastguard and Mountain Rescue services do likewise?

[Cambo]

Why all the fuss & drama about a couple of people who fancied a midnight canoeing session surly that is not a crime?…unless of course they were up to no good?

[Ubique]

May 2012

 

West Midlands Fire Service has started charging for call-outs to non-emergency incidents.

 

Anyone requesting help with problems like animal rescues and lock outs will now be told they will have to cover the call-out and attendance costs.

 

This is currently £412.80, including VAT, per fire appliance or specialist vehicle per hour, the service said.

[Ubique]

From BBC WM

 

 

West Midlands Fire Service charged for just 106 out of 3,656 non-emergency callouts since charges were introduced, a BBC Freedom of Information request has revealed.

 

In May 2012, the service began asking homeowners to cover the callout and attendance costs for problems like animal rescues and lock-outs.

 

The 106 charges totalled £57,355.24.

 

Simon Shilton, head of emergency response at the service, said it was "not a money-making scheme".

 

"We will only charge if we deem our resources could be better used elsewhere," he said.

 

"We are there to provide a service to the community. We determine whether to charge if there was no risk to life or property.

 

"We always notify the occupier if there is the potential to charge for the service and proceed if they agree."

 

 

The five biggest chargeable incidents

Bournville College of Further Education, Longbridge - making a structure safe on 21 December 2013 - £3,045

Gracechurch Shopping Centre, Sutton Coldfield - other mains supply leak, isolate and salvage on 19 May 2012 - £2,752

Cozens and Cole Ltd, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton - making a structure safe on 15 June 2014 - £2,104

Wood Green High School College of Sport, Wednesbury - flooding, pumping out on 15 July 2012 - £2,064

Willenhall Comprehensive School, Walsall - water leaking from swimming pool, flooding the plant room on 2 April 2013 - £1,720