Fire station consultation (From Evesham Journal)

Fire station consultation

10:53am Thursday 26th November 2009

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JUST a few days remain to have a say on the future of Warwickshire’s fire service.

The final consultation meeting was held at Studley on Monday and people have until December 8 to complete and return a questionnaire on the proposals, which include closing Bidford Fire Station.

The plans have come under fire from villagers who fear the closure will increase response times and put lives at risk. There are also concerns that other fire services will have to pick up the slack from Warwickshire Fire Service when dealing with incidents on the edge of the county.

But new chief fire officer Graeme Smith said this week that he gave his full backing to the plan. “The role of firefighters has widened since significant changes were last made,” he said.

“We need to restructure to make sure the service provided is the best it can be for modern times.”

Under the plan, set to go before county councillors in February, seven retained fire stations would close in south Warwickshire to allow for further investment in Alcester and Stratford stations.

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