SIR Michael Spicer has stepped in to ensure Upton's fire crew can use the community rescue boat for non-999 emergencies.

The West Worcestershire MP asked Chief Fire Officer David O'Dwyer to support the actions of three retained firemen.

Dave Walker, Rowan Thomas and Gary Bumfrey voluntarily helped evacuate people from flooded homes, using an officially-equipped rescue boat.

The use of the rescue boat brought officers into conflict with the brigade's policy that it should be used for emergencies only.

"I respect the fact that fire appliances should be kept to respond to emergencies but clearly it was wrong in the circumstances to play things too much by the book," said Sir Michael. "Mr Walker and his team were doing a very good job in very difficult circumstances to keep up the morale of the town."

Sir Michael said he received a very positive response from Mr O'Dwyer, but he believed Upton needed a formal emergency committee to deal with future floods.

Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said: "There's a boat at Upton used for training purposes, which they were able to use, but the community rescue boat was given to the brigade to be used anywhere within our area for rescue purposes. It had to be kept on stand-by for use in a life or death emergencies."

As the floods worsened, Upton Fire Station became a base for TA volunteers and paramedics, sent at Sub Officer Walker's request, from the Worcester-based Silver Control, a flood team representing all the emergency services, including Malvern Hills District Council.

They were given hot meals at the Muggery, courtesy of the Fire Brigade for the first week, while Upton Town Council agreed to pick up the tab for the second week.

This week, as Upton people began clearing mud and silt from their properties, the town's retained fire crew was authorised to help with the clean-up while remaining on stand-by for emergencies.

n Clean-up gets underway, see page 28.