Concerns Over Fire Service Proposals

By ptics | Thursday, May 26, 2011, 14:36

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has written to members of

Devon and Somerset's Fire Authority urging them to look again at

proposals to increase the working hours of fire fighters ahead of their

meeting this week.

The plans, known as Day Crewed Plus, will see the

numbers of on-duty fire officers reduced with those remaining on duty

having to work longer shifts, up to 96 continuous hours every week.

Councillors and fire fighters across Devon and

Somerset have been raising concerns over the impact of these changes.

Adrian said: "The Fire and Rescue Service has

done comparatively well so far in terms of Government cuts but it is

essential that everything is done to protect frontline services and not

to increase the risks to the public or fire

fighters."

"While we need to find ways of making savings

to protect the service against future cuts, these proposals may

seriously threaten the service's ability to respond adequately and

safely to the range of emergencies they cover. I've

asked that the authority submits these proposals to independent

assessment before any decision is taken."