Press Release
The Powys 4x4 Response Group held their second training and assessment event in the Radnor Forest over the weekend of the 10th and 11th November and 41 members graduated to Responder status.
The programme included assessment in off road driving techniques and navigation skills in a variety of terrains and conditions, training in basic survival skills, vehicle recovery and ‘first on scene’ basic first aid.
In addition to the Powys Team, members of the newly formed Herefordshire and West Wales Response Groups also attended.
On the Sunday afternoon the events were recorded by BBC Wales for the Your Wales programme which will hopefully be transmitted in early December.
Inspector Stuart Eckley and PCSO Emma Davies from Dyfed Powys Police also attended on the Sunday afternoon as observers and were very complimentary and supportive of the Group’s aims.
The Powys Group is part of the National 4x4 Response Network which sets out to provide logistical support to the Emergency Planning Offices and Emergency Services in times of severe weather and other local and national emergencies.
The Powys Group were heavily involved earlier this year in the distribution of water and hygiene supplies to victims of the Gloucester floods and during the past two winters have undertaken over 30 sorties to transport care workers, nurses and meals on wheels to vulnerable individuals in remote locations through heavy snow.
Superintendent Steve Hughson of Dyfed Powys Police commented: “Dyfed-Powys Police supports responsible and legal off-roading and was pleased to be associated with the event in the Radnor Forest. The Powys 4 x 4 response group offers all emergency services the back up of 4 x 4 vehicles at times of crisis associated with extreme weather conditions whether that be snow, or flooding. I look forward to developing this relationship in the future to ensure that we maintain an effective response capability in all areas of Powys whatever the conditions.â€
Wayne Jones, Principal Emergency Planning Officer for Powys County Council is very supportive of the Group: “Since its formation, the Powys 4x4 Response Group has assisted The Council on a number of occasions, primarily in providing access to elderly and vulnerable members of our community during inclement weather.
Use of the group is now formally included within PCC’s Emergency and Resilience planning, and we look forward to strengthening these links in the future, to the benefit of all Powys residents.â€
The event was sponsored by Britpart and supported by The Muddy Millers 4x4 Club, Herefordshire 4x4 Club, West Wales 4x4 Group, The Forestry Commission, Macdonald Landrover, Xtreme Organix, The Rotary Club of Newtown, The Wearhouse Group, and Princess Blinds.
Powys 4x4 Response Group was set up at the end of 2005 and now have over 80 volunteers located in and around the county and are keen to recruit additional members. It is not necessary to own a 4x4 in order to be a member of the group. For more information please contact info@powys4x4response.org
Release Date: 16th November 2007
