The allocation of aerial fire appliances, now under review, is a difficult issue.
It is, of course, a fact that most fires are within reach of the shorter ladders but there will be occasions when an aerial will be required.
The present arrangement in Brighton and Hove is the turntable ladder (TL) is at Preston Circus to cover the whole city and the aerial ladder platform (ALP) at Hove is called when required.
I remember when Brighton had two TLs with a similar arrangement and the few occasions when both were in use.
Most aerial platforms are stationed in the large coastal towns, with the exception of West Sussex ALP at Horsham, so mid Sussex would have to wait for attendance.
This reduction has been going on for some time.
A while ago Dorset withdrew the TL at Poole and cover was provided by nearby Bournemouth.
The plan for London is to have 11 aerials, nine ALPs and two TLs, instead of 18.
-RW Carden, Brighton
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