Concern over city fire cover cuts

The Fire Brigades' Union (FBU) in Derbyshire has reacted angrily to plans to reduce cover in Derby city centre.

Firefighters said they are "deeply concerned" about proposals to remove one of the appliances based at the Ascot Drive station.

But Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the changes would help provide greater support for services in rural areas such as Matlock and Swadlincote.

It also said there would not be any job losses as a result of the plans.

The changes are subject to a consultation and final approval by Derbyshire Fire Authority.

Cover 'compromised'

Chris Tapp, brigade chair of the FBU in Derbyshire, said: "We are deeply concerned over these proposals on a number of fronts.

"We don't believe that the public in Derby have been made properly aware of these proposals, nevermind been asked for an opinion on them.

"But crucially the loss of the second fire engine from Ascot Drive means that the number of front-line appliances in Derby will be cut from four to three, a reduction of 25%.

"The number of calls responded to by Ascot Drive means it is currently by far the busiest fire station in Derby and we have real concerns over how fire cover in Derby is being compromised."

Derbyshire's chief fire officer, Brian Tregunna, said: "I want to emphasise that no-one will lose their job by these proposed changes and that Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service will still send the same amount of fire appliances and firefighters to any incident.

"Local firefighters do not operate in isolation, any large incidents in Derby are normally attended by firefighters from outside the city as well as those working within the city."

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