Plan to cut fire service in Thanet criticised
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by Martin Jefferies
Plans to cut the number
of fire engines on Thanet have been labelled “deeply
concerning” by a firefighers’ union.
Thanet fire station at Westwood is earmarked for closure as
early as April 2011, with the loss of one appliance.
Firefighters would be redeployed elsewhere in the county.
Specialist vehicles would be moved from Westwood to a new fire
station in Ramsgate, which would replace the existing 100-year-old
building in the town centre.
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority has said the changes
will guarantee that four fire engines - a full-time and a part-time
appliance in both Ramsgate and Margate - would be available at all
times, compared to three at present.
But Steve Scott, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) representative at
Thanet fire station, said: “The public need to be aware that these
proposals could seriously compromise the standard of front line
services.
“Firefighters in Thanet cannot understand what is driving the
proposed change. We were recently recognised as one of only two
services within the country to attain an excellent rating, so the
need for change is baffling.”
Jenny Impey, chairman of Kent FBU, added: “Our members are
alarmed at these proposals and are deeply concerned that the
residents of Thanet may be left vulnerable due to its unique
peninsular location.
“Strategically, it does not make sense to reduce fire cover in
the area.”
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority says the proposals will
ensure that “cover is nearest levels of highest risk”.
“It is thought [that this is] the most appropriate level of
emergency provision for the risk and demand in Thanet,” its
integrated risk management plan (IRMP) states.
Meanwhile, community safety activity would be increased in high
risk areas in Thanet, including parts of Westgate-on-Sea and
Broadstairs which have a high proportion of elderly
residents.
The fire engine at Westgate-on-Sea would remain and would be
manned 24 hours a day.
The proposals are detailed in full in Kent and Medway Fire and
Rescue Authority’s IRMP, which is available online at www.kent.fire-uk.org or by
calling 01843 692121.
Local people have been urged to comment on the plans and must do so
before Monday, January 17, 2011.
Saturday, December 11 2010
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