New chief refuting claims on cut plans

WARWICKSHIRE’S fire chief has hit out at accusations that the Fire and Rescue Service Improvement Plan is just about saving money.

If the Improvement Plan goes ahead, seven fire stations across the county will close and up to 100 firefighters could lose their jobs.

Concerns have been raised about the DNV report, an independent risk assessment, including the costs which would be saved by the Improvement Plan proposals.

But chief fire officer, Graeme Smith, said that if the savings aren’t made, money cannot be reinvested into things such as more training to carry out community fire safety activities including carrying out safety checks on smoke alarms.

He added: “I know that residents have concerns about the proposals and I do understand why they are focusing on what is happening to their local station. However, I would urge people to think carefully about the whole plan and understand that we have to invest in our firefighters, community fire safety activities and new equipment, in order to make our communities safer.

“Many of our current ways of working were shaped over 50 years ago when Warwickshire was a different place. Threats and hazards have changed since then; which means that we also need to change if we are to properly protect the county’s residents.

“The proposed closure of any
station is obviously a huge step and at this stage, that is what they are – proposals. I want to assure com-
munities that their voice will be
listened to, but equally I would like them to look at the impact on the Fire and Rescue Service if we don’t make the changes towards becoming a fitter, stronger, Fire and Rescue Service.”

Portfolio Holder for Community
Protection, Councillor Richard Hobbs, added: “We understand and acknowledge these proposals will present
difficult decisions and there are local fears about what is going to happen in the area they live. I would like to reassure residents their views are being listened to and will be considered as part of the consultation process.

“However, as portfolio holder for community protection, it is my aim to protect our firefighters and the people of Warwickshire. This cannot be achieved if we do not modernise the service to tackle the incidents our communities now face.”

Around 5000 have already signed a petition to save Warwick Fire Station, with another 2000 joining the Facebook group.

There is still plenty of time to have your say about the Improvement Plan proposals. Consultation meetings are being held around the county including at the town hall, on The Parade in Leamington at 7pm on November 3 and in the Graham Adams Centre, St James Road, Southam on November 12 at 7pm.