CAMPAIGNERS fighting to protect the Eston Hills have been given the chance to see first hand the specialist firefighting kit used the tackle the scourge of arson.

The Eston Hills Action Group visited Cleveland Fire Brigade’s training centre to witness its off-road appliance (UNIMOG) in action.

Every year the hills, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, are the target of arsonists with 53 incidents taking place between April 2017 and March 2018.

Although there has been a slight reduction for April and May 2018, to date, firefighters have still attended 13 fires which were caused deliberately, down from 29 in the same period last year.

Simon Weastell, head of emergency response for the brigade, said “Deliberate fires on the Eston Hills are wholly irresponsible and apart from causing immense environmental damage, they also divert resources away from emergencies where lives may be at risk.

“This site visit for the Eston Hills Action Group will be a graphic illustration of the problem we face and how they are tackled. It will also showcase measures that have been taken in recent months to prevent further fires.”

The UNIMOG, stationed at Grangetown Community Fire Station is an off-road appliance that can provide a rapid and effective response to fires on the hills and reach areas of difficult terrain, which ordinarily cannot be reached with a normal fire appliance.

Redcar MP Anna Turley, who is a key member of the action group, has worked tirelessly to help solve the issue.

“The Eston Hills are undoubtedly a safer place for local residents to enjoy as a result of the work of the action group and I want to congratulate all of the partners on the work they have delivered so far,” she said.

“The number of arson incidents is down and lots of improvements to secure the hills have been made, but there are sadly still fires being started which shows the work still to be done.

“Crime and anti-social behaviour are issues right across our area, but it has also been important to protect the Hills which were such an open and dangerous target, drawing away emergency resources from elsewhere.”

The group’s chairman Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: “This visit was a good opportunity for the group to see the extent of the improvements to the area, which have already started to have an impact on the number of crimes and fires reported.”