Sussex fire station closures will 'leave communities vulnerable' (From The Argus)

Sussex fire station closures will 'leave communities vulnerable'

2:40pm Wednesday 17th November 2010 in News By James Wallin

The closure of three fire stations will leave their communities vulnerable, according a veteran firefighter.

The decision to close retained stations at Findon, near Worthing, Keymer and Bosham, near Chichester, was agreed yesterday, despite last minute pleas for a temporary closure to be considered.

Findon Station manager Dougal Davis has condemned the decision and called on West Sussex County councillors to challenge it.

The closures are part of the fire and rescue service’s Improvement Plan, which will also see fire engines and staff removed from other stations and redeployed to areas the service considers at higher risk.

County Council cabinet member for public protection, Peter Evans, said the proposals help find £1.2 million of savings.

He said: “Our fire and rescue service has put together a package of proposals that will improve public safety and make it more effective in the long term."

For a full report see today's Argus.