The Community Rescue Service has been saved after sending out an SOS to Belfast City Council.
The search and rescue charity, operated by volunteers across Northern Ireland, had been operating from an office at Apollo Road in Belfast, but was notified by its landlord that the premises were to be vacated due to plans for new developments by a commercial partner.
During Belfast City Council’s recent Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, councillors learned the rescue service had sent out an SOS to the council, stating it would no longer have a HQ in the city.
A report explained that suitable premises were identified at Dunbar Link, currently the council’s “Disaster Recovery Suite”, which the CRS could use on a temporary basis.
Councillors agreed to the temporary use of the Dunbar Link premises, under a license arrangement for up to three months initially, but at the discretion of the council to extend on a month to month basis.
Councillors also agreed use of the council’s Charlotte Street cleansing depot for secure parking of five motor bicycles, search and rescue equipment and one land rover vehicle. A small office will also be available for the community rescue team within the depot.
Three additional land rovers will use three spaces in the neighbouring council car park on Apsley Street off Ormeau Avenue, on a temporary basis.
The agreement is a “technical disposal,” at a nil rent, a council officer explained, which requires a licence and consent from the Department for Communities.
Since it was set up in 2007, the CRS has grown to have more than 200 search technicians and 70 support staff, with 26 boats and 24 vehicles across ten teams.
It has recently been celebrated in an acclaimed BBC NI television documentary “The Search,” which has run for two series.
