Warwickshire News Mine

The Improvement Plan looks at how we make the best use of our resources and improve the safety of our residents and our firefighters. That involved us examining both our financial and physical resources, such as staff, appliances & equipment and location of buildings.

Concerns have been raised about the DNV report (an independent risk assessment), including the costs saved by the Improvement Plan proposals. What people need to understand is that those savings form a major part of the proposals, because without those savings, we cannot re-invest that money into more training for our firefighters and carry out more community fire safety activities, including increasing the number of home fire safety checks carried out each year.

In addition we will not be able to invest in a new rescue boat unit for the south of the county or be able to deploy small fire and road traffic collision units to smaller scale incidents, freeing up the time of major appliances to attend those incidents where they are needed most.

Chief Fire Officer, Graeme Smith said: “I know that residents have concerns about the proposals and I do understand why they are focussing 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 communities 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 said: “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 that their views are being listened to and will be considered in great detail 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 such as flooding, fires and fatalities in road traffic collisions.”

There is still plenty of time to have your say about the Improvement Plan proposals. Consultation meetings are being held around the county on the following dates:

Tuesday 27th October
18:30hrs – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Coleshill
The Coleshill School, Coventry Road, Coleshill, B46 3EX

Wednesday 28th October
18:30hrs – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Rugby
Lawrence Sheriff School, Clifton Road, Rugby
CV21 3AG

Tuesday 3rd November
18:30hrs – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Leamington Spa
The Town Hall, The Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4AT

Monday 9th November
18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Stratford upon Avon
Stratford upon Avon High School, Alcester Road, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 9DH

Thursday 12th November
18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Southam
The Graham Adams Centre, St James Road, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 0LY

Monday 16th November
18:30 - Presentation at 19:00hrs
Shipston on Stour
Shipston On Stour Primary School, Station Road, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4BT

Tuesday 17th November
18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs

Wellesbourne
Kineton C Of E Primary School, King Johns Road, Kineton, Warwickshire, CV35 0HS

Wednesday 18th November
18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Henley in Arden
Henley In Arden High School, Stratford Road, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6AF

You can also write with your views to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Improvement Plan Consultation, Service Headquarters, Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5LH. Alternatively you can e -mail: fireandrescue@warwickshire.gov.uk or go online and fill in the consultation document at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue.

Link to WCC