By Andrew Clarke

Published at 16:12, Wednesday, 29 October 2008

MP Jamie Reed had first-hand experience of being trapped in a car crash as part of Cleator Moor’s first Together We Can week.

handle with care: MP Jamie Reed is the ‘victim’

A host of activities were on the agenda, all designed to inform, educate and entertain people while showcasing the facilities that are available to the residents of the town.

Police were on hand to co-ordinate a StreetSafe operation, councillors were available to answer questions, and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service offered demonstrations on how to deal with a chip pan fire and how they handle car crashes, with the ‘victim’ being played by Mr Reed.

Jonathan Marriott, area support manager for Cumbria County Council, who co-ordinated the activities, was delighted with the week-long event.

“I think it said to the people of Cleator Moor that they matter,” he said. “These agencies showed them that they are bothered enough to turn up and spend their time here to try and make a difference. It was a brilliant week.”

A number of ‘grot-spots’ were dealt with by way of a litter-pick, smoke alarms were fitted and a free brake-light scheme was run. There was also an employment and health fair in the Civic Hall.

“The clean-up worked really well,” added Jonathan. “The motto was: ‘If it’s important to people’s lives then we clean it’.

“And it was made all the more worthwhile when Jamie Reed, on arriving in the town via Ennerdale Road, commented that he had noticed an immediate difference in how the place looked and felt.”

On playing the part of a car crash victim, Mr Reed said he discovered first hand the professionalism of Cumbria’s firefighters and paramedics.

He said: “These are the people who save lives on Cumbria’s roads every day and it was terrific to see them in action.”

Other agencies involved included Copeland Borough Council, Cleator Moor Town Council, Home Housing, Phoenix Youth Project, Age Concern and Home to Work.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk