IT could be a breakthrough new year for Newton Abbot and the protection of the public if a pilot scheme to improve fire and rescue cover across the area is sanctioned by fire chiefs.

Hopes are high that practical trials to speed up firefighters’ response times on 999 shouts will be rolled out permanently if senior managers back the scheme.

For years Newton Abbot’s fire station has been run by retained crews who lose crucial minutes getting to an emergency as they battle through town traffic to get to their appliances at the station.

But since the end of November one of two available crews has been manning the Ball’s Corner station on weekday afternoons to beat the clock and the congestion – and early indications are that the new initiative is working.