1,000 object to fire station downgrades

Gavin Williamson said it was a disgrace that stations such as Codsall and Bilbrook, Brewood and Kinver would lose their vehicles and the ability to respond to emergencies - something he says is closure in all but name.

Kinver and Codsall and Bilbrook are still under construction as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment.

But South Staffordshire MP Mr Williamson has said Staffordshire Fire Services' plans would turn them into 'glorified community centres'.

Staffordshire's chief fire officer Peter Dartford has met with the county's Conservative MPs to discuss the proposals.

Mr Williamson said: "We have over 1,000 signatures already to keep Brewood fire station, Codsall and Bilbrook and Kinver which is an amazing achievement and a sign of the strength of feeling.

"It sends a clear message to the fire service that their ideas are utterly rejected by the people of South Staffordshire.

"There is the obvious safety issue. But it is also frankly ridiculous that the fire service has spent millions of pounds on these stations only to effectively close them. It's utter insanity."

He said Mr Dartford had come to Parliament and been told by MPs of their concerns.

"There was a clear and unequivocal message that the proposals are unacceptable."

Under proposals to save £5.7 million, emergency cover would be removed from 18 fire stations in the county, and the number of engines reduced from 42 at 33 stations, to leave 15 engines at 15 stations.

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has urged the fire service to work better with the police.

He said: "Their stubborn refusal to work with the police and combine back office functions, such as human resources and accounts, could save as much as £10 million each year, possibly more, but instead they have chosen to cut back on equipment and personnel, endangering lives and property.

"I have written to the chief fire officer saying that I am disappointed they are not in serious discussions with Matthew Ellis, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Staffordshire Police who has proposed this plan.

"Meanwhile, a new fire station is being constructed in Lichfield for hundreds of thousands of pounds, while they are diminishing the response service that will be provided from their sparkling new building.

"They recommend the removal of one of the two fire engines and replace it with a 'targeted response vehicle'. However, this will seriously reduce operational cover within Lichfield. The TRV is a small specialised vehicle which will only able to respond to small fires, such as grass fires. The TRV will not respond to high risk calls such as house fires and road traffic accidents."

Tory MPs' concerns have been echoed by Mr Ellis.

He said: "Reducing the fire service by two thirds, closing fire stations before they have even been built does not sit comfortably with me.

"Front-line services are a fundamental need."

Mr Dartford said: "The new delivery model would present a complete change in strategic direction for the Service as this would compromise the way we currently focus on community engagement and safety, which is the bedrock to all of the work we undertake. Nevertheless the fire and rescue authority felt it was important for us to explore a range of options, however radical they may be, to be confident no stone has been left unturned as we strive to identify ways to make financial savings."