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Mixed
Emotions on Council’s Decision to Close Retained Stations
The RFU’s long battle against
Warwickshire County Council’s proposed closure of 7
Fire Stations is finally over.
Back in October 2009 Warwickshire County
Council put forward proposals to make various changes including
the closure of 7 retained fire stations (Bedworth, Bidford,
Brinklow, Fenny Compton, Kenilworth, Studley and Warwick)
all in the name of making the Service ‘fitter and stronger’.
On 6thDecember 2009, the RFU took part
in a march with other stakeholders through the streets of
Warwick, resulting in a demonstration outside of County Hall.
The march gained publicity through the media and generated
much support from the general public.
The RFU was able to highlight the inaccuracies
within the proposals via the consultation process resulting
in the proposals being withdrawn in early spring 2010 for
further evaluation.
During this time, the RFU wasted no
time and gained the support of every MP in Warwickshire to
keep all 7 Retained Fire Stations open.
On 21st July 2010 Warwickshire County
Council at a full Council meeting approved the following alternative
proposals for implementation:
- Alcester Fire Station is changed
from a Retained Fire Station to a Wholetime Fire Station.
- Bedworth Fire Station becomes a
retained station with a whole-time crew manning a specialist
small fires unit.
- Bidford, Fenny Compton and Kenilworth
Fire Stations remain as retained stations.
- Three Fire Stations (Brinklow, Studley
and Warwick) are decommissioned back into the Council’s
Asset Management portfolio.
Warwickshire RFU Chair Tony Morgan said:
“It’s a time of mixed
emotions , whilst I am pleased that all the hard work the
RFU has put in over the last 9 months has resulted in Bedworth,
Bidford, Fenny Compton and Kenilworth fire stations remaining
open I am disappointed Retained Stations at Brinklow, Studley
and Warwick are to close”.
“Through hard work, determination
and the ability to use the power of argument, the RFU’s
campaign has been undertaken with great professionalism, dealing
with facts on the best value for the rate-paying communities
of Warwickshire.”
“Whilst we did not have representations
on all the 7 Retained stations, we believed that we needed
to show solidarity towards all of our retained colleagues
in Warwickshire but we remain steadfast and committed in representing
RFU members.”
Tony Morgan
RFU Vice-President and Warks RFU Secretary
Bedworth Crew Manager
www.wrfu.org.uk
www.rfuonline.co.uk
Message Ends
Press contact
Anthony Morgan 07852 232166
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