Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani and Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green paid a visit to Bolton Mountain Rescue today to learn more about how they support the local area.
During the visit, Nusrat Ghani MP also announced that she has secured an extra £1million funding for the Rescue Boat Grant Fund, to help support the work of rescue charities such as Bolton Mountain Rescue.
In the past four years, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has received funding from government grant for a new boat, new engines and other life-saving equipment worth more than £40,000.
Mr Green said: “It was fantastic to visit Bolton Mountain Rescue today with my colleague Nusrat Ghani to see first hand what this funding has meant for this invaluable local charity.
“Although they carry out demanding rescue operations on the ground, few people realise they also carry out water rescues from local reservoirs and funding from the Rescue Boat Grant Fund has helped to provide the equipment and kit to support these missions.
Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani added: “We want everyone to be safe in and around water, but sometimes people get into difficulty.
“This fund has helped more than 100 charities across the UK buy new boats and equipment to help save people’s lives.
Martin Banks from Bolton Mountain Rescue Team said: “Without the support of the DfT Rescue Boat Grant, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team would not have been able to develop and maintain its water rescue capabilities in the way it has over the last four years.
“We have protective clothing, boats and rescue equipment which can be used to assist our community during flooding incidents and help the team with its search capabilities.
“As a charity which relies on donations and grants this a hugely important award that supports our operations and effectiveness.”
