Warwickshire News Mine

November will see the last of 19 public consultations meetings, which have been held in locations throughout the county. There are now just three public consultation meetings left to run in Henley-in-Arden, Polesworth and Studley.

Chief Fire Officer, Graeme Smith said: “We are now entering the last phase in the consultation meetings and I am pleased that so many residents have come along to have their say.

"We have had some very constructive feedback from residents at both the meetings and through the consultation process, a number of which, have taken the time to go through all of the proposals and comment on how they feel each one could be achieved.
“I hope that I have made it clear to all residents that despite what has been reported, this is a true consultation, which needs the views of Warwickshire residents. It has not been an easy process and I would not have expected it to be so.

"I want to assure residents that I have listened carefully to their views at the consultation meetings and through the numerous letters I have received and those views will be taken into account when I put the final proposals to cabinet in January 2010.” 

Cllr Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said: “There is much evidence of excellence within Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service, but every
organisation needs to develop and change to meet the needs of an evolving society.

"We do have difficult decisions to face and we understand there will be local fears, but through local consultation we want to work with communities to find the best solutions for their localities."

All responses to the consultation need to be received before the closing date of 8th December 2009 in order to be considered.

Consultations will be taking place at venues throughout the county at the following locations:

Wednesday 18th November
18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Henley-in-Arden
Henley In Arden High School, Stratford Road, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6AF
Thursday 19th November
18:30 – Presentation at 19:00hrs
Polesworth
Birchwood Primary School, Birchwood Avenue, Dordon, B78 1QU
Monday 23rd November
19:30 - Presentation 20:00hrs
Studley
Studley Leisure Centre, Pool Road, Studley, B80 7QU

Residents attending will be able to have a look at the information on show, talk about the proposals, ask questions and have their say by filling out the consultation questionnaire.

If you are unable to attend any of the briefings, then you can log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue to have your say. Alternatively you can e-mail fireandrescue@warwickshire.gov.uk with any questions you may have.

Link to WCC