FIREFIGHTERS in Crewe are the first of the emergency services to receive Polish language and culture lessons in a new scheme to bridge gaps with migrant communities.

With over 3000 Polish workers having arrived in Crewe since Poland joined the EU in 2004, it is hoped that the classes, which aim to improve communication between firefighters and Polish people at the scene of a fire or a road traffic collision, could help to save lives.

The classes, held at Crewe Fire Station over a three-week period, were also attended by Polish people living in Crewe to teach them the role of the fire service.

A Polish interpretator taught firefighters useful Polish phrases whilst Poles learned the English equivalent to enable both sides to discover crucial information such as the cause or location of a fire.

The course was set up by Fire Brigades Union lifelong learning co-ordinator Garry Harney aided by unionlearn project worker Ged Bretherton and Ron Evans of the Communication Workers Union.

Mr Harney feels there is a definite need to increase the level of communication between the growing Polish community and firefighters.

He said: "The Polish community in Crewe is large and helping them learn English will benefit all of us.

"If we are called to a fire at the home of a Polish person it will help enormously if we can understand each other.

"I thought the classes were a great success in breaking down barriers and making Polish people aware that the fire service is there to protect them."

Over 120 people took part in the three classes which each lasted for an hour and a half and encouraged an informal atmosphere with the last session indulging in a celebration of each country's traditional cakes.

With Polish communities growing across the whole of Cheshire it is hoped that the project will be adopted in other parts of the county as well as amongst other emergency services.

Mr Harney added: "I've been approached by other stations interested in holding similar courses."

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