Fire crews fight cuts
Dozens of firefighters will demonstrate against cuts to frontline services on Tuesday. Their union warns the cutbacks will put the public and firefighters at greater risk. In Norwich, 28 jobs could go, with the loss of one fire engine from Bethel Street.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is expecting firefighters from across Norfolk to turn out on Tuesday to lobby outside County Hall. Four wholetime fire engines currently cover Norwich, but under plans being put to councillors, this would be reduced to three. 28 firefighters could loose their jobs. Further jobs would be lost across Norfolk. The union estimates the fire service will save £1.5 M.
Peter Greeves, FBU Brigade chair, responding to the announcement last month said: “These cuts are the worst we’ve ever faced… Norfolk fire crews are well aware of the current financial pressures that the country faces. We are happy to work with the fire service to see where genuine savings can be made, which protects our core work of frontline emerency response.”
Jamie Wyatt, FBU brigade secretary said today: ” We’re hoping the council will see sense and will tell the fire service to reconsider the proposals. As a union we have said we will work with the fire service to protect frontline services.”
Mike McCarthy, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Norfolk, said: ”A number of options are on the table which we believe could help Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service work in a better and smarter way without, crucially, compromising the safety of the public or our staff.”
Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet will meet on April 6 to agree the final draft of the Safety Plan. A public consultation will then follow over the summer.
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