Councillors want Crowborough's Frank Humphry fire engine on the road

By Sussex Courier | Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 08:01

COUNCILLORS are discussing ways to get Crowborough's finest fire engine, Frank Humphry, back on the road.

old chums: Philip Fermor driving Frank Humphry

The town's communications and events committee held a lengthy debate on the future of the 75-year-old vehicle.

They agreed it was important to restore the fire engine, which they said was "part of Crowborough's history".

A full report will now be drawn up to find out how much it will cost to put a new diesel engine in the stately vehicle.

Councillor Elizabeth Fermor, whose husband, deputy mayor Philip Fermor, drives the machine, said: "It would be good to get something finalised and to know exactly how much it would cost to see it back on the road."

The Courier reported last year that the fire engine cost the town more than £12,300 in repairs and storage costs across three years.

It was originally bought for Crowborough in 1936 and christened Frank Humphry by local noble Sir Bernard Eckstein of Fairwarp before he died in 1948.

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Comments

This vehicle never had a diesel engine originally.Ripping out the original petrol engine and replacing it with a diesel is appalling.If they cant restore it and maintain it properly then they should sell it to someone who will appreciate it more than the morons on the council.
If its that important it should be kept original-if its not that important get rid of it.

By MrSwing at 12:40 on 21/02/12
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They could get a bloke in a Sherlock Holmes outfit to drive it. Just a thought

By shooter73 at 12:23 on 21/02/12
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Isnt it being stored at Bently now and therefore on public display? Personally I like the fire engine and certainly the kids do, you only need to see them clamouring all over t at events around the town.

However in these times of financial restraint I do wonder whether the Council should be paying for its restoration and isnt a new engine going a bit far? Shouldnt the old one be re-conditioned?

So volunteers?

By CrowSceptic at 09:32 on 19/02/12
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waste. of. money

By mazza1970 at 16:46 on 18/02/12
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