Dismay over fire service cuts vote

     



DISMAY OVER FIRE SERVICE CUTS VOTE

The Leader of Shepway Council has said he is bitterly disappointed by Kent Fire and Rescue Authority's decision to approve cuts that will mean the loss of one full-time fire engine, 24 firefighters and a specialist height vehicle from Folkestone Fire Station.

Cllr Robert Bliss said the council had opposed the cuts when the matter went out to public consultation.

"This matter was the subject of detailed scrutiny by the community overview committee as well as being discussed twice at full council. We said then and we will say again that a diminished service will mean increased risk to life. This risk might be marginal - but is not acceptable."

Kent Fire and Rescue Authority voted through the cuts on Wednesday (20 February).

Cllr Bliss said the council appreciated the financial restraints facing the Kent Fire and Rescue Service but said there were widespread concerns about the cuts.

"We sent a very detailed response to the public consultation which had cross-party support. We questioned the risk analysis the fire authority had carried out, highlighted issues that make Folkestone unique and said why we thought the district deserved to keep the excellent fire cover it has had so far. We believe we made a strong case for keeping this cover and I am very disappointed that we were not successful in convincing the authority of our case."

ENDS