A new pilot scheme which sees Essex County Fire and Rescue Service officers give direct safety advice to people and businesses in rural areas has been launched.

Two fire service employees – Ollie Everott and Les Davis – are working in the rural areas of Braintree and Uttlesford, advising on fire prevention and how to make fire escape plans, as well as conducting smoke alarm checks.

The two ‘Rural Community Builders’, who are working closely with Essex Police and its gypsy and traveller liaison officers, and the fire service’s community development team, act on referrals and have already visited 26 vulnerable adults.

The project was officially launched at the police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex’s rural crime forum yesterday and could be rolled out to other parts of the county in the future.

Jane Gardner, deputy police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex, said: “The safety of those living in Essex’s rural communities is of paramount importance to us and this scheme is a fantastic example of police and fire working together to give advice to those in our communities who need it the most to help keep them safe.

“I’m looking forward to see how this works and develops in the future.”