HOUSES set for demolition in Cricklade are to be used by the fire service to provide more realistic training for fire crews.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have teamed up with GreenSquare Group to access properties in White Horse Road at Culverhay, before they are destroyed.

The buildings will be used for exercises in search and rescue, use of breathing apparatuses and working at height.

It is anticipated that crews from Cricklade, Malmesbury, Stratton, Swindon, Westlea, Royal Wootton Bassett, Ramsbury and Marlborough will be able to make use of the houses before they are demolished.

Dean Hoskins, watch manager from Stratton fire station, who is organising the training, said using the houses will be of “great benefit” to fire crews.

He continued: “We have facilities on station and at our training and development centre in Devizes to keep our skills fresh; however, being able to use these houses will be an even better test for firefighters, as we will come across the challenges and complexities that we could face every time we go to a real fire in someone’s home.”

GreenSquare's regeneration plans for Culverhay include proposals to demolish 65 older properties and replace them with 109 new energy efficient homes.

Corrina Johnson, GreenSquare's senior development project manager, said: “As part of the first phase of our regeneration plans, several households have now moved out of their properties, leaving them unoccupied in readiness for demolition.

“We thought it would be a good idea to make the most of the houses while they're empty and we're happy to be able to help the fire crews to conduct some realistic safety critical training.

“We’ve warned local residents not to be alarmed if they see firefighters running in and out of the houses over the coming weeks.”