Safety won't be compromised by Hawick Fire Station changes, says minister

Safety won't be compromised if plans to end round-the-clock staffing at Hawick Fire Station are approved next week.

That's according to Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray, who's responding to concerns raised by Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton at Holyrood this afternoon (Wednesday):

She had asked who's going to take responsibility if something goes wrong?

It's in response to concerns the changes could lead to longer response times and put lives at risk.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it's recommending a move from a 24-hour wholetime service to a day-shift duty system - with extra out-of-hours cover coming from Galashiels.

But papers published ahead of Monday's board meeting confirm the proposal has "generated strong negative feedback".

Questioning the minister, Ms Hamilton said: "The proposals to downgrade Hawick Fire Station are simply unacceptable.

"They have caused months of agony for residents and businesses across the Borders."

And she added: "I strongly believe that Hawick Fire Station should be a 24/7 service to ensure public safety."

The cabinet secretary last week told Parliament fire risks have changed and the service must adapt to meet these changes, and that it's an independent decision for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to take.

Speaking today, Mr Gray told MSPs: "The review does not propose any reduction in fire and rescue cover in Hawick. Indeed, the same two fire appliances will continue to be located at Hawick.

"SFRS has assured me that the proposed move to a day-shift duty system is based on a thorough examination of the risks and historic deployment data across the Borders area, and will not compromise the safety of either the public or firefighters."

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A call has been made for a final decision on Service Delivery Review to be delayed until the full public consultation responses have been made public, and the justice minister has met with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

John McKenzie, Scottish Secretary of the FBU, said: “Despite any claims to the contrary, these cuts are a direct result of repeated budget cuts imposed on the service.

"These are life and death choices." And he added: "It would be an outrage if these issues were not debated in Scotland’s national Parliament."

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