THE Dartmoor Rescue Group in Okehampton is searching — for a new base.

The vital rescue group is looking for accommodation to provide state of the art facilities and a blue light service 365 days of the year for walkers in and around the area.

Representatives of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team gave their first presentation to members of Okehampton Town Council last week.

They told them the desired building would need to accommodate the team's vehicles, equipment and future needs, as well as provide ancillary accommodation to include a kitchen, shower room, training room, control room, drying room and a garage.

The need for a new base comes because the current building in George Street suffers ongoing problems with damp and lack of storage for equipment, as well as an increase in heating costs.

Community member for North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team David Shorthouse said the lack of garaging facilities had meant vehicles had been kept outside on the Okehampton Police Station forecourt.

Mr Shorthouse said: 'Due to the lack of security risk it not only means we can't leave them fully equipped for a quick response, but also means they will deteriorate quicker.

'We are now looking to obtain a long leasehold in a plot of land of a suitable size and location and construct a purpose-built rescue centre to fulfil our requirements.'

The group asked members of the town council for support and suggestions on possible accommodation.

Mr Shorthouse added: 'What we need is free advice on all aspects of the proposal and support from authorities and agencies who agree with our proposals and aims.

'We are looking for assistance in our search for a suitable location and plot and assistance in obtaining funding for our proposal.

'We need it to be low maintenance and cheap to run, with secure, good vehicular access to the A30 and open moorland.

'It needs to be able to accommodate the team's vehicles, equipment and future needs – good parking is also a necessity.'

The first permanent base in Okehampton was above the Market Hall in Market Street in the late 1970s.

In 1988 the team later moved to George Street — the base there is owned by the Natwest Bank and leased to the team on a peppercorn rent.

The building was converted from a stable block by members of the group to provide present facilities.

Mr Shorthouse said: 'The peppercorn lease on the current building expires in 2012.

'We aim to provide a continued role in the community and have a greater use of the team in local and regionally based incidents.

'We want to offer the best emergency service to people in need.'

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr David Weekes said members of the town council were impressed with the presentation: 'The need to find the North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team suitable premises is of paramount importance to the area.

'Okehampton Town Council will be doing everything we can to help and will look out for suitable locations.

'If anybody knows of somewhere I'd ask for them to get in touch with us to help support this much needed organisation.

'You've only got to look at the weather recently to see how they can be called upon in bad conditions, so the need for a site is great.'