Ian
I submitted my first post with a rather negative view based on recent experience.
But its not all bad and heres another experience I have had, albeit about 3 years ago,
With the advent of community fire risk management and all the liason with local interest groups that has grown from this, perhaps the fire brigades are closer to their communities than before and more aware of the problems of unemployment and deprivation, and how the possible redevelopment of brownfield sites can regenerate the community, bringing with it an improvement in the standard of living and a consequent reduction in fire deaths and injuries.
And that local fire service is more likely to jump through hoops to bring that development to their community, mindful that there are plenty of other sites competing for consideration by the developer. So when the water company shake their heads and say no theres no chance of new mains for 10 years or more for technical or logistical reasons, rather than lose the development they may explore other solutions. Time being of the essence compromise becomes necessary. But even this compromise depends on somebody else - not the fire brigade- footing the bill!
But you are exactly right and I know of a number of former coal field sites turned into industrial estates with no water supplies at all- on occasion with disastrous consequences. I remember one scheme where at planning stage the water for firefighting was provided using the old pit lagoons. Then because of H&S concerns the lagoons were drained but nobody told the brigade. Then a large plastics recycling firm on site had a fire which led to total burn out.
Chris
I obviously watch the wrong news channel. Ive never understood why the water doesn't flow down to the South from the north by itself?
