Monday, August 20, 2007

Ghost Hunters Investigate Fire Station

Firefighters are renowned for their valour, but they have been left unnerved inside their fire station in Drove Road.

Poltergeists are said to haunt the building, which lies on the route of the old canal, in which people are thought to have drowned.

Ghostbusters examined the station's poltergeist trouble spots on Saturday to unearth the truth.

And evidence garnered during the seven-hour operation reinforced the station's haunted reputation.

Former firefighter Paul Rowland remembers spooky moments during his 30 years working at the station.

"There were always weird goings-on at the station. I never liked staying there on my own," said the 61-year-old.

"There were doors creaking and footprints. It would put the fear of God in you."

The muster room, where hard hats, coats and boots hang, was checked by the Paranormal Site Investigators (PSI).

The officers' gear, which hangs next to where the fire engines stand ready, looked as if it could be the target of a mischievous ghost.

But so far the ghosts of the fire station have shown no interest in floating around in firefighter gear.

Instead they have concentrated on leaving mysterious footprints on floors, banging doors and setting off alarms.

Two gloomy, dingy corridors on the second and first floor are favourite haunts.

According to Mr Rowland, years ago, one firefighter's dog constantly refused to venture into the halls.

PSI investigators recorded eerie activity in the gym at the end of the corridor on the first floor.

Nicky Sewell, of PSI, said: "Our investigators heard voices from the gym area - but when they rushed towards it, the heavy fire door of the gym started to slowly close.

"It was certainly an interesting night, but too early to draw concrete conclusions."

Other mysteries from the night included clanks from the engine room, ghost detection equipment mysteriously failing and the unexplained sound of footsteps.

Firefighters laughed off the concept of ghosts, but admitted they too had heard stories.

Mr Rowland said: "Years ago we had to clean the station as part of our duties.

"I remember putting polish on the floor and leaving it all night.

"We would get up in the morning and find little footsteps running down the middle. There is no way anyone would do it.

"There were always doors banging and noise. One firefighter, who was Irish, swore he saw a figure stand at the end of his bed."

The Fire Service will be presented with a detailed report of the PSI investigation. The results will also be posted on the group's website at www.hauntedswindon.com.