Engine may be axed at night

West Bromwich Fire Station could lose one of its two night time engines under new plans unveiled by the West Midlands brigade.

The move is part of West Midlands Fire Service's annual service plan for 2008/09, which is now out to consultation.

The independent Fire Authority will decide whether to implement cuts in January.

There were fears more engines would be out of action after 11 at night after cuts last year led to 13 being taken off in the region.

West Bromwich firefighters had their worst fears confirmed when the plans were unveiled today.

The station has two fire engines providing 24-hour cover but under plans one will only be available for use between 11am and 11pm.

In the event of a major fire cover will be from Walsall, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Smethwick, Oldbury, Tipton and Wednesbury.

Wolverhampton fire station may get two 24-hour fire engines instead of the one it has but that may be at the expense of Tettenhall.

That station has a 24-hour engine butit will now only be staffed from 11am to 11pm.

Even then the engine will be at Wolverhampton and will only travel to Tettenhall as and when necessary.

Chris Downes, Fire Brigades Union rep for the Dudley borough, said: "They are effectively shutting Tettenhall fire station down, while there will be less fire cover at night in West Bromwich. We are planning talks to see what will happen with the 30-plus staff at Tettenhall."

West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Frank Sheehan said: "The number of firefighting units is not being reduced and the number of front-line firefighters remains the same.

"The proposals redistribute some resources and introduce new technology."