County fire stations earmarked for closure
Two county fire stations are being considered for closure in a shake-up of the service, it has been revealed.
The county's fire authority agreed, at a private meeting yesterday, to consult on nine changes it believes could improve how it serves the north of the county and Rutland.
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Tom Neal, left, spokesman for the Fire Brigades' Union, and Tory MP candidate Andrew Brigden, second left, join a protest of firefighters
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service wanted details to remain secret for the next month, but a copy of a report was leaked to the Leicester Mercury.
It recommends the closure of Moira and Syston fire stations, the removal of retained firefighters at Loughborough fire station and reducing the number of personnel at Hinckley fire station by eight.
It also proposes two extra day crews for Melton and new fire stations at Birstall and Castle Donington.
A team of eight firefighters, whose job is to cover the northern and Leicester areas, would also be established.
The press and public were excluded from the meeting when the report was discussed and voted on.
The changes could lead to redundancies, but staff may also be re-deployed, depending on the final decision, which is likely to be made in December.
County Fire Brigades' Union spokesman Tom Neal said: "It is disappointing the fire authority has decided to consider these possible cuts.
"Obviously, this will affect Moira and Syston, and they should be fully aware of the opposition they will receive from communities and their workforce about these proposals.
"We believe they could have looked harder for savings within the brigade, rather than in frontline services.
"I am also disappointed that they decided to do this behind closed doors."
These recommendations are based on the force's Integrated Risk Management Plan, which was drawn up last year to look at how they deliver services now and how these can be improved for the same money.
Previously, they looked at closing Shepshed station and stopping 24-hour cover at Oakham. This led to thousands signing petitions opposing the plans.
These were not included in the final recommendations agreed yesterday.
Staff will soon be told of the proposals and a consultation document put together explaining the options and how people can have their say on them.
Firefighters and protestors went to brigade headquarters, in Glenfield, yesterday to show their anger at the proposals.
Moira crew manager Ian Cotton said: "We have delivered signatures from 2,500 people in the area worried about the closure of this station."
Prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen was also at yesterday's protest.
He said: "I am horrified by these proposals. People's lives and people's jobs are at risk."
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by C, Nottinghamshire
Thursday, June 25 2009, 1:49PM
“I am absolutely disgusted and sickened to read this news story. The Fire Fighters and people of Leicestershire need to fight this all the way. If money needs to be saved try looking at how top heavy the Service is and the ridiculous wages the senior managers are on.... CUTS COST LIVES.”
by Local Resident, Coalville
Thursday, June 25 2009, 1:36PM
“As I read it we will see two brand new fire stations to replace two old fire stations so why are these firefighters unhappy, they must like working in scabby old buildings. Will they also not now be able to go as full time firefighters as opposed to part time. Does not look like a cut to me but an improvement.”
by Retained Firefighter, NW Leicestershire
Thursday, June 25 2009, 1:18PM
“It has long been recognised that retained Fire fighters are the best value for money . To impact on so many of these people who do an outstanding service for their community for so little in return , is an absolute insult. These people have to give up large amounts of their spare time in order to keep appliances available for the local community, and enable the managers above them to meet their set targets.
What other areas of the service are having to face such radical cuts? Why do the operational retained sections have to take the brunt of these cuts?
Losing one appliance is unacceptable, to take three retained sections and appliances, and loose so many dedicated people, is not what the people of Leicestershire appointed their local councillors to agree to.
Shame on you. I wish I could take my vote back.”
by Mr Rutland, Rutland
Thursday, June 25 2009, 12:20PM
“Glad that they saw sense and kept Oakhams 24 hr cover but I have to say that i know a retained firefighter at Moira and they have had to come over to the major fires in this region over the last 2 years I.e the COOP, Petfooods and recently Old Dalby.
Who will do that now?
Retained firefighters cant just move to another station like a full time as they have to work near their station. Therefore all that expertise and training will be lost to the taxpayers and communities
where is the saving in that.
I would gladly pay £1 per week more tax for piece of mind, even if they just sit on call not used, which seems to be an issue these days with managers
BTW i am not a firefighter, i a,m not brave enough to do that job.”
by michael johnston, loughborough
Thursday, June 25 2009, 11:24AM
“Everyone involved in this decision making process should hang their head in shame, they are failing the people of Leicestershire, why was the press & FBU barred from the meeting? The only logical conclusion for this is that they were about to make poor decisions for which there is no sound explanation other than percieved savings which do not really exist.
I call on all elected representatives of the people of Leicestershire to stand up and fight against this travesty and prove that you are worth the votes and trust that the electorate have invested in you”