Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards has met with Police and Fire Minister Chris Philp this week, to raise concerns about proposed changes to Rushcliffe’s only whole-time fire station in West Bridgford.
The Fire Authority’s proposals for West Bridgford include the conversion of West Bridgford Fire Station from operating 24/7 to daytime only.
This would leave Rushcliffe residents without full-time cover at night and relying on on-call stations in East Leake and Bingham.
The Fire Authority estimates this would result in a 43-second increase in the average response time.
Ruth highlighted to the Fire Minister that Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has received similar spending settlements to other fire services across the country, but has made disproportionately large cuts to the number of firefighters in its service compared to other fire services.
For example, in neighbouring Derbyshire, there has been a 2% increase in the number of firefighters since 2015, compared to a 21% decrease in Nottinghamshire.
The Minister has asked Ruth to write to him with further details of the situation, so he can advise on the best course of action.
Residents can have their say on the proposals until Friday 23rd December by filling in this survey.
Ruth also raised the concerns flagged to her by firefighters in West Bridgford, who pointed out that their station had higher call-out rates than others in the county.
The firefighters also voiced concerns that the impact on call-out times of different scenarios, such as nearby fire engines already attending another incident, might be greater than the published figures suggest.
Ruth said:
“I am concerned about the implications that this plan would have for Rushcliffe and that is why I have taken this issue to the Fire Minister.
“My constituents would be worst hit by the Fire Authority’s proposed changes and we know from the leadership of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, that it would provide no overall savings.
“I am grateful to the Minister for his time and will continue to work with him on this issue. I am determined to explore every avenue both in Westminster and Nottinghamshire, to keep West Bridgford as a 24/7 station, so our local firefighters can continue to serve the community as bravely as they always have.”
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