Two fire stations could close

Budleigh and Topsham for chop

The fire station at Budleigh Salterton could close with Topsham relocating to the service's Clyst St George headquarters, after long-awaited recommendations were published.

The revised plans follow a large public consultation last year, and would make over £4m in capital savings.

The changes that the Service is recommending for approval by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority 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.

Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer, said: “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.

“We are presenting a significant investment in our ‘on call’ staff which will directly improve the availability of our fire engines. At the same time, we are suggesting closure of one fire station (Budleigh Salterton), relocation of another (Topsham) as well as removal of a number of low activity fire engines. Importantly, we are confident that we can secure alternative ways of working with our whole time staff which will allow us to undertake significantly more prevention and protection activity which will also make communities safer.”

But the plans have been criticised by East Devon MP Simon Jupp.

He said: "The proposals are unacceptable for the residents of East Devon and I’m strongly urging the Fire Authority to think again and put community safety first. Closing Budleigh Salterton and Topsham fire stations would be extremely short-sighted I will take further action if the proposals are agreed."