THERE are just over three weeks left to have your say on the future of the fire service that will see cuts to front-line staff.
The public consultation on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s draft Community Risk Management Plan ends on January 10.
The proposals include significant changes to the service in order to save about £2 million on frontline operations.
Overall, about 140 jobs are at risk, and in Worcester it could mean losing one of the station’s two full-time fire engine crews, leaving only a single fulltime crew as a first instance response.
Councillor Derek Prodger, chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority, said: “The Fire Authority is facing a very challenging financial position over the next few years and clearly recognises that difficult decisions have to be taken in the future.
“Since 2010/11, £2.5 million of savings have been made without affecting the service that communities receive from their local fire stations, but the £4.7 million is an additional saving requirement.
“It is anticipated that approximately £2.7m of the additional savings can be found from further changes to back office and support functions.
“However, the scale of the savings required will inevitably mean some changes to the frontline.” .
Responses from the official consultation questionnaire will be collated into a report which will go before the Fire Authority on February 19 next year.
Proposals can be read in full at hwfire.org.uk/consultation where an online questionnaire can also be completed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel