VOLUNTEERS from the Warrington based Cheshire Search and Rescue Team have had their S.O.S call for new premises answered by local water company United Utilities.
The team of highly skilled volunteers, who assist the emergency services in missing person searches and major incidents across the county, had to vacate their storage unit in Penketh at short notice.
The lack of a base for their specialist equipment and office facilities threatened to compromise the team’s life-saving work.
An S.O.S call in the local press, Twitter and Facebook was answered by United Utilities, who have now provided the rescuers with rent free storage and office space in a secure warehouse at the company’s Great Sankey site in Warrington. 
The loan of the warehouse will give the team vital breathing space, while they hunt for a permanent headquarters.
David McClure, deputy team leader and training lead of the search team said: “We were devastated when we were told we had to move our equipment out of the storage unit at short notice.
“We put out an appeal to ask if anyone could help us and were amazed by the response. The people of Cheshire were fantastic in offering us everything from their garden shed to small industrial units. It’s great to know that so many people out there are appreciative of the work we do, and are keen to help out.
“United Utilities’ offer of warehouse space was a godsend, and we can’t thank the company enough. It gives us an ideal base, which will tide us over until we can find a permanent headquarters.”
Cheshire Search and Rescue Team are due to receive the keys to the warehouse at the beginning of October.
Chris Matthews, United Utilities’ head of sustainability, was instrumental in facilitating the move. He said: “When we heard about the team’s plight, we knew we had to help.
The service is run exclusively by volunteers and they simply don’t have the funds to pay commercial storage rates.
“The loan of our warehouse will allow the team to continue with their vital work. They do a brilliant job, and we delighted to support them.”
Cheshire Search and Rescue Team is on call 24/7 every day of the year. The team has more than 40 operational members from a variety of professions, including health care practitioners, teachers, and office and shop workers. They undertake searches in city centres, countryside and buildings, and are skilled at crime scene protection and casualty evacuation.
For more information on Cheshire Search and Rescue Team, or to make a donation, please visit: www.cheshire-sarteam.org
