The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service "modernisation" programme continues to cut deeper into the level of cover provided for us, the residents of East Sussex.

The reduction of 12 front-line fire-fighters and an aerial ladder in Brighton and Hove also has a knock-on effect to the residents of Eastbourne.

They can also expect to be without any such appliance when their aerial ladder is removed to cover maintenance and servicing schedules throughout the year at Brighton and Hastings.

Our unelected fire authority representatives have introduced an element of luck with regard to the level of response we can expect in an emergency.

As a long serving fire-fighter at Brighton, it is my opinion that all these cuts will result in greater risk to members of both the public, and fire service, and that fire deaths will rise as a direct result of this decision by East Sussex Fire Authority.

Yet, despite this reduction of operational staff, the actual cost of the fire service continues to rise as the organisation is allowed to become ever more top-heavy.

As to the debate about the level of morale among fire-fighters, I personally informed the chief fire officer of the lamentable state of the fire service at a meeting last month.

I would suggest any interested parties visit their local fire station and see for themselves.

All those in the major towns of East Sussex are permanently crewed 24/7 - at the moment.

Be fully aware, we are currently on the verge of having another of this country's finest assets destroyed.

-Dick Gaterell, Brighton