Union says fire service cuts could lead to nearly 100 firefighter losses
The closure of fire stations across Wiltshire and Dorset could lead to the loss of nearly 100 firefighters, according to the union that represents them
The closure of fire stations across Wiltshire and Dorset could lead to the loss of nearly 100 firefighters across the two counties, according to the union that represents them.
The Fire Brigades Union says 96 firefighter posts could be lost if stations at Bradford-on-Avon, Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton, Mere, Ramsbury, and Wilton are closed.
The union is also warning that response times – which are already two minutes slower than the national average – will slow further, especially in remote rural areas.
In response to the news that the service was consulting on the closure of the eight stations – four of which are in Wiltshire – the Fire Brigades Union said: “Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is already stretched to breaking point.
“Since 2010, the service has lost a fifth of its firefighters, and cutting another 96 roles would strip away another 16 per cent of the frontline workforce.
“Cuts to frontline resources are not savings at all. They come at the expense of public safety.”
A petition urging the Swindon, Wiltshire, and Dorset councillors who make up the Fire Authority to vote against the cuts has been launched here.
Meanwhile, union members and their supporters plan to march from Salisbury City Hall to the headquarters of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, which is based in the city, on Tuesday, February 10.
Protestors aim to leave City Hall at 9am, reaching headquarters by 10am, ahead of the meeting of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Authority, which will be meeting to discuss the cuts.
Chief fire officer Andy Cole told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “As with many public sector organisations, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are facing significant financial challenges, despite our attempts to lobby Government for better funding.
“We have a programme of work underway to make sure we are sustainable in the future. The Fire & Rescue Authority will be making key decisions at their February meeting about proposals for station closures as part of this programme.
“We are continually running on-call recruitment campaigns across the Service area to improve on-call availability. More information about this can be found on our website.
“We will always look at ways to use our resources most efficiently, ensuring we continue to provide an emergency service to our communities when they need us, whilst making the best use of public money.”
The service has 21 stations in Wiltshire, with most operating an ‘on call’ service, meaning retained firefighters are called to the station when required.
The three fire stations in Swindon are manned full-time and are not on the list of potential closures.