Fire union warns of safety risk from cuts

Fire chiefs have already unveiled plans to close 10 fire stations in West Yorkshire and cut 102 full-time firefighters’ posts and are currently consulting on their proposals.

Last night, Pete Smith, regional secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Yorkshire said: “We’ll have fewer stations, fewer frontline crews and fewer appliances spread more thinly. That means taking longer to get to 999 emergencies and with fires that means much larger and more dangerous fires when we get there.

“There will be a greater risk to life, to homes, businesses and workplaces.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority is currently consulting on the proposals.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling ordered a review of fire cover last year because of the need to save £18m over the next four years.

The authority says the workload at some stations has fallen by almost half and it is time to reshape the service.

The proposed changes would see the closure of stations at Gipton, Stanks, Rawdon, Otley, Brighouse, Elland, Hemsworth, South Elmsall, Batley and Dewsbury. They would be replaced with new stations at Killingbeck, Menston, Rastrick, South Kirkby and Batley Carr.

People wanting to take part in the consultation can write their comments to Stephen Hardy, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Oakroyd Hall, Bradford Road, Birkenshaw BD11 2DY or email [email protected] by December 9. The authority has said no decision will be made until the authority next meets on December 16.