MPs support campaign to keep Cornwall’s Fire Control
Cornish Liberal Democrat MPs backed the Cornish Fire Brigade Union' campaign opposing Government plans to regionalise Fire Control. Government plans to close local fire control rooms across the South West, leaving just one, based in Taunton.
The MPs met Cornish Fire Office, Mike Tremellen, representing the Fire Brigade Union, and Stephanie Lovering, a Fire Control Officer at Truro and Fire Control Union Representative. They explained their concern about plans that would see South West Fire Control staffing cut from 36 to less than 10 people for the whole region.
Commenting, Mike Tremellen said:
"The Government needs to realise that their plans to reduce staff will make our jobs even harder, potentially putting lives at risk. Fire Control staff has a whole range of demands placed on them and in an emergency less than ten people simply won't be able to cope. However, Stephanie and I were very heartened by the Cornish MPs? support for our campaign and we will continue to push for a Cornish Fire Control that is actually in Cornwall"
All five of Cornwall's MPs have opposed a single regional centre because it will lack the local knowledge of Cornwall. Originally designed to cut costs, the Government now claims that a regional centre, responsible for calls from Swindon to Land's End, would ensure a more effective response in the event of a terrorist threat ? a claim that Cornwall fire brigades have opposed.
Commenting, Andrew George MP said:
"This is yet another example of Government taking the power to manage local services away from local people. This is not regionalisation but centralisation of services, to fit with the Government's zones. We need Fire Officers who have the level local knowledge needed to work effectively and efficiently. Government costs for centralising Fire Control keep rising and their arguments keep changing; I?ve yet to hear a convincing argument that benefits Cornish people."
Commenting, Matthew Taylor MP said:
"Government plans to regionalise fire service control were a wrong turn right from the word go. A regional control room may seem like a good idea if Ministers are just interested in cutting costs and laying off staff. But victims of fire in Cornwall need local operators who really understand the area, to make sure emergency services reach them quickly ? these plans would put lives at risk."
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For further information Andrew George MP can be contacted on his pager on 07699 748736; alternatively contact Jonathan Eddy on 0207 219 4588
Or
For further information from Matthew Taylor MP please contact Jessica Brand
Email: brandj@parliament.uk / Phone: 020 7219 6686
