The campaign against proposals to downgrade Torbay’s Fire Cover has picked up some pace this week.
Proposals published by the Devon & Somerset Fire Service would see Paignton Fire Station converted into a part-time station, with only an ‘on-call’ crew overnight, rather than full time cover 24/7. They also include the removal of one of the ‘on-call’ fire engines at Torquay Fire Station. The proposals would leave only one Fire Engine in our Bay manned 24/7 by full time Firefighters, despite Torbay being the second largest conurbation in the area served by the Devon & Somerset Fire Brigade.
A consultation on these proposals is already underway online and you can find full details of it, plus leave your own comments, by clicking here. I would encourage all residents to respond to it.
A series of public exhibitions on the plans is taking place and the first local public exhibition is in Torquay (Torquay Library, Monday 5th August 2019 from 11am-3pm).
After I raised concerns, an extra drop in session has been arranged for Paignton. This will be held at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG on Tuesday 3rd September from 2-6pm.
I will be inviting residents to show their support for my work to retain our Fire cover but have decided not to arrange a petition.
This is because the Fire Brigades Union is organising one on a non-political basis. I understand local Firefighters will be out this weekend collecting signatures for it. It is best residents support one large petition from Firefighter's, rather than one run by a political party or individual politician.
