Guernsey cliff rescue team moves responsibility to fire service

Cliff rescue workers on Guernsey's coast

Responsibility for Guernsey's cliff rescue team is moving from a charity to the government-run fire service.

The move, which will commence in January, will see the rescue service continue to be staffed by volunteers.

Current provider St John said the move would allow it to focus on "core" activities such as the island's emergency ambulance service.

The transfer of responsibility to the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service has the approval of Guernsey's government.

The States recently revealed it was still considering merging the island's ambulance and fire services, after a report found it could save the government £600,000 a year.

A Guernsey cliff rescue volunteer

Chief Fire Officer Jon Le Page said of the cliff rescue decision: "Operationally, business will continue as usual and the team will run in the same charitable way."

The cliff rescue team will now be based at the fire service's headquarters at the Town Arsenal, St Peter Port.