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Fire crews' 'alarming' discontent
Firefighters criticised the Government over funding for the service after a study showed an "alarming" picture of discontent among firemen and women.
A poll of 2,000 members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) revealed that most feared insufficient or inadequate training was compromising their safety.
A majority said they did not feel the Government values them, while the firefighters again criticised plans to close all 46 emergency fire control rooms in England and replace them with eight outside London. The FBU said the survey showed its members believed the move would make the service respond less well to incidents, and make staff less safe.
Most of those questioned said they had no confidence in the Government's ability to create a national network of regional fire controls which would work well.
Asked what were the four best ways of spending money on improving the fire and rescue service, almost nine out of 10 said more training, almost three quarters said more front-line personnel, and six out of 10 said modern and safe personal radios. Just one in 33 suggested moving to regional control centres.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "This is the authentic voice of the men and women who save lives every day, and it is telling the Government, not just to change course, but to change its whole approach."
Newly appointed Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said: "Firefighters do a great and difficult job which is why they need to know the Government is on their side."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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