Thanks to an article by Adrian Imms, published in The Argus on October 16, we now know why West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service believes that its cuts to its coverage of the county are the right way to go.

Instead of just using common sense, and coming to the conclusion that it really does need every fire appliance that it has got, it relies instead on a computer system that operates a programme using something called FSEC modelling software.

This, according to WSFRS, analyses community risks and helps reduce the potential for emergencies in the future.

So, I take it that if I dial 999 sometime in the future, explaining my predicament and requesting the attendance of the fire brigade, I will probably be answered by a recorded announcement informing me that “We would like to attend your emergency but our computer says no”.

Isn't modern technology wonderful?

Eric Waters,

Ingleside Crescent,

Lancing