Fire union urges authority to reject cuts

Two stations would close under the plans

The Fire Brigades Union says Devon and Somerset's Fire Service must listen to concerns and reject planned cuts today.

Under the revised plans, announced last week, the stations in Topsham and Budleigh Salterton would close, and eight fire engines would go.

James Leslie, from the union, says although they're an improvement on the initial plans, there is still much to be concerned by.

He said: “We support the service’s plans for more prevention and protection work, but this should not be at the expense of front-line services. The consultation made it clear that the public do not support any cuts to front-line services.

“The fire authority stated that the public consultation was not a tick box exercise and, in the light of such an overwhelmingly negative response, we demand that they reject the recommendations as they stand.”

But Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said last week the plans were 'balanced'.

“Last summer we consulted on a number of options for change. We have also recently received Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) report which highlighted areas where we need to improve.

“After reflecting on staff suggestions, public feedback and considering how we need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Service, we have recommended a balanced set of proposals for consideration by the Fire Authority,” he said.

The changes that Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is recommending for approval are to:

• Defer the decision to implement day crewing at Barnstaple, Exmouth and Paignton subject to a revised 24/7 crewing model being agreed with the Fire Brigades Union, including roving appliances, before the end of the 19/20 financial year.
• Close Budleigh Salterton fire station and allow affected firefighters to respond from Exmouth fire station.
• Relocate Topsham fire station to Service Headquarters (Clyst St George) and relocate one of the fire engines to Middlemoor fire station (both fire engines to be relocated to Service Headquarters until an on-call crew can be established at Middlemoor).
• Remove the third fire engines from Bridgwater, Taunton, Torquay and Yeovil.
• Remove the second fire engines from Crediton, Lynton, Martock and Totnes.
• Introduce variable fire engine availability dependent on risk.