RESIDENTS in Bude were invited to a safety surgery by firefighters from Bude Community Fire Station as part of Cornwall Council's recently launched initiative which sees Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) firefighters holding regular safety surgeries at One Stop Shops (OSS) throughout the county. The first monthly session visited Bude Library One Stop Shop on Tuesday, August, 24.

Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury explained: "Each of Cornwall Council's 23 One Stop Shops will be hosting information and advice sessions as local firefighters from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service use this outlet to get out important safety messages and to speak to people about how to prevent fire in the home and how to make themselves and their families as safe as possible."

A firefighter will attend their local One Stop Shop once a month for a two hour safety surgery to speak with people and provide potentially life saving advice.

CFRS also provided wall display racks containing prevention and protection leaflets at all one stop shops.

Later this year, the next phase of the initiative will be rolled out to support the Out and About services in East Cornwall and provide resources for the mobile One Stop Shops in Cornwall.

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member Lance Kennedy said: "This is a good example of using council resources wisely and to full capacity. Firefighters will be using the one stop shops to reach the community and will be able to work with one stop shop staff to identify people who may be at high risk from fire.

"Firefighters can then arrange to carry out a home fire safety check at an agreed time. These surgeries will be advertised by OSS staff and the firefighters will also be involved in developing information for the frequently asked questions database on Cornwall Council's website."

Cornwall's One Stop Shops already provide advice and information on all council services including housing, benefits, council tax, refuse and recycling. There is also help available to fill in forms, hand in documents and speak to a council specialist either in person or by phone.

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Customer First Joan Symons said: "This new initiative will provide information and help from yet another council service. I am pleased to see resources being shared and staff working together to provide the best possible service to customers."