Aerial ladder for county service

The new platform should be with the fire service within the next year

Cornwall's fire brigade is to get a new aerial ladder platform, almost a year after one had to be brought from Devon to tackle a fatal fire in Cornwall.

In August last year three people died when the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay burnt to the ground.

At the time, both of Cornwall's platforms were out of action. But now Cornwall County Council has approved a spend of £451,000 for a new one.

The Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden said it was great news.

Investigations into the Penhallow Hotel fire said the brigade having to use another service's platform did not affect its ability to fight the blaze.

However, it did prompt talks into the benefits of acquiring another one for the area.

The new platform should be with the fire service within the next year.