Fire Service Consultation

MEDIA RELEASE
1 December 2011

The Fire Brigades Union is encouraging Berkshire residents and businesses to respond to the consultation process for Royal Berkshire Fire Authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). The consultation phase is their opportunity to influence the delivery of fire and rescue services for the coming year and concludes on 3rd January 2012.

There are a number of proposals up for consultation, that could have a detrimental effect upon the level of service residents and businesses receive, including:

• Control Room Collaboration Options
• Water Rescue Unit and Boat
• Operational Support Unit
• Aerial Ladder Platform (high reach appliance) at Slough
• Replacement for Dee Road Fire Station
• Road Traffic Incident Response
• Wildfire/Forest Fire Response
• Windsor Fire Station Cover

 Full details of the plan and how to response can be found by visiting:

http://www.rbfrs.co.uk/irmp/IRMP-2012-13-Action-Plan-Consultation-Document.pdf 

Mark Stollery, FBU Brigade Secretary, stated, ‘It is important that Berkshire residents have their say about the kind of fire service that they want in the county. The FBU is asking for everyone to get involved. If you live or work in Berkshire, run a business here or are a local councillor, this is your chance to influence the direction of Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service for the coming year’.

Maurice Whyte, FBU Brigade Chair, added, ‘In particular, the FBU would encourage the residents of Windsor to respond to the consultation process. The Fire Authority has proposed to replace Windsor’s fire engine with an undersized van, with less equipment and which will also operate with a reduced crew. If Windsor residents think that is a bad idea, then this is the only opportunity to say so. FBU members joined the fire service to protect the public but they need adequate resources and personnel to do this safely and effectively’.

Although not part of this year’s IRMP, the FBU is also asking Berkshire residents to support the Rescue Support Vehicle at Slough, which RBFA will consider withdrawing from service in February and the Heavy Rescue Unit at Newbury, which will be relocated to the centre of the county as a result. These vehicles support frontline appliances at incidents such as traffic collisions and building collapses.

***ENDS***

Contacts as below:

Mark Stollery – Brigade Secretary - mark.stollery@fbu.org.uk - 07917 065868

Maurice Whyte – Brigade Chair - maurice.whyte@fbu.org.uk - 07917 065867