On Tuesday 10th February Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Authority met in Salisbury. The authority is threatening closure of eight fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire, with the loss of 96 firefighter jobs. The planned closures are now being put out to public consultation.
Widespread anger was expressed at a Parish meeting in Maiden Newton, and residents have set up a local action group to campaign and petition against the closure of their fire station. A quiz night at the local pub gathered 50 signatures and campaigners are going door to door.
Sam Strudwick, is a local resident, and one of the founders of the action group said:
“Our local fire stations don’t just provide service in the local village; they provide an emergency response to surrounding villages and assist in major emergencies across the county. As well as responding to fires, they provide vital flood assistance and rescue and other duties.
“Climate change has already led to more extreme weather; last year. We had record heath fires and now regular flooding. Average response times are already one of the lowest in the country. If locals in Maiden Newton have to wait for a fire engine from Dorchester or Yeovil then local firefighters tell us the response times will easily double. This is not the time to cut our fire services. These cuts will put lives and properties at risk.”
Fellow local campaigner, Lilian said:
“The fire service is already stretched to the limit. If the closures go ahead there is no doubt that lives will be put at risk. The government revenue support grant to Dorset and Wiltshire fire service has been cut under successive governments and is due to reduce by £1.2 million over next 3 years. This must stop.”
Sam added:
“These cuts are a political choice. The big fossil fuel companies in receive billions of pounds in subsidy from our taxes! And these are the multinational corporations fuelling the climate change our services then have to deal with.”
Campaigners are joining with the firefighters’ union, the FBU, calling on residents across Dorset & Wiltshire to make their voices heard in the consultation, and participate in the campaign to defend our fire services.
Sam called for support:
“We want people involved in the consultation meetings and submitting their views to online or postal consultation. This needs to happen across the county. Charmouth have already had a big public meeting and we hope to do the same in Maiden Newton. We have support from local councillors and trade unions. Let’s get organised and build a big campaign across the Dorset and Wiltshire! Cuts cost lives! Save Our Fire Stations!”
