A NEW specialist search and rescue unit could soon be based in Worcestershire.

Fire chiefs are looking for a suitable site to house the Urban Search and Rescue unit, which is made up of four large containers and a dog transport van.

It would mean Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service could respond to major emergencies including those involving chemical, biological and nuclear dangers.

A report to a meeting of the fire authority scheduled for Friday, September 23, says it would also mean they could deal with search and rescue, major flooding and transport incidents, including a large-scale collapse of buildings.

The report adds that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has offered the unit to Hereford and Worcester because of its central location and also because of its ability to deliver.

But it sounds a warning when it continues: "We will need to monitor workloads closely to minimise the impact on the rest of the service."

None of the existing fire stations could house the unit without a lot of investment and a specific site might be needed.

Chief fire officer Paul Hayden is recommending the authority accept the new unit.