Fire service proposals in the spotlight

     



Shepway Council has told fire chiefs that it has ‘serious concerns' about proposals to reduce cover at Folkestone Fire Station.

A special meeting of Shepway District Council's Community Overview Committee on Monday had been called to examine proposals by Kent Fire and Rescue Service which could see some firefighters at Folkestone being transferred to other stations and the loss of one of the station's three fire engines and the height vehicle based there.

After listening to three hours of evidence from the fire service and the Fire Brigade
Union and answers to questions put by councilors, the chairman of the committee, Cllr David Godfrey, said the council would be expressing its dissatisfaction about the proposals.

"This committee appreciates the financial restraints facing the fire service but we do have very serious concerns about the proposed cuts. We are concerned about community safety and are serious about protecting out residents

"We will be sifting through all the facts, noting all the opinions that have been brought forward tonight and preparing a report to full council so that it can present a full and proper response to the proposals."

The committee had been told that Kent Fire and Rescue Service had to meet three per cent efficiency savings year on year over the next three years. The number of fire engines based at Folkestone was greater than any other comparable town in Kent.

"This is because we chose to put an extra fire engine there while the Channel Tunnel was being built and we have not reviewed this decision since then. The Channel Tunnel now has its own dedicated fire station," said Charlie Hendry, Chief Fire Officer. "No other town of a comparable size has the same number of engines as Folkestone."

Bill Welsh, Director - Emergency Planning said more lives were saved through prevention and education than intervention.

"Intervention is the last stage. There has been a dramatic reduction in fatalities because of community fire safety. Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been rated ‘excellent' and, in particular, is one of the leaders in community fire safety."

Members of the committee expressed their concerns about the accuracy of the some of the information on which the proposed cuts were based and questioned whether it took into account the height and age of a lot of properties in Folkestone or major new developments, like the proposals for Nickolls Quarry.

Mr Welsh said the proposed changes would have minimal impact on Folkestone Fire Station's ability to respond.

"I cannot say there will not be an increased risk but this risk equates to one further life lost in 416 years."