The High Court Fight Commences:
29th January 2009!
Historically, on the 25th July 2007, the Fire Authority voted to accept the proposals of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Integrated Risk Management Plan. One aspect of such is to CLOSE down Windsor Fire Station at NIGHT, but many people firmly believe that this would be a preliminary to full closure since the site is worth £££ millions
The closure was due to come into effect in late 2008 / early 2009 but the organizational timescale's are now under review as a result of this legal action. In other words, we have thwarted that closure plan.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council have commenced a judicial review of the dubious ‘public consultation’ carried out by the Brigade. This extraordinary action may see the Brigade plans deemed unlawful and a new, more open and thorough consultation ordered. A fair public consultation would then accurately reflect the immense public support for Windsor Fire Station leaving the stations future secure.
The Brigade was proposing that Slough Firefighters would cover Windsor’s large station ground in addition to their own? This concept is seriously flawed since Slough Fire Station is the second busiest station within Berkshire - therefore it is entirely possible that they may NOT be available.
The contribution of the Windsor appliance has also been disregarded: For example, from April 2006 to April 2007, Windsor backed up Slough on 170 occasions and Langley 69 times. In the period 2007 to 2008, Windsor attended Slough 64 times. Windsor also backs up Maidenhead, Ascot and Bracknell on a regular basis. One Senior Fire Control Operator referred to the Windsor appliance as, ‘The glue which holds east Berkshire together’.
We believe the integrity of the emergency fire cover in east Berkshire will be seriously compromised as a result of this questionable plan. When the fire service is compromised, so are lives and property. It is particularly noteworthy that the Warwickshire Brigade has now been issued with a Health and Safety Executive Improvement Notice following the deaths of FOUR Firefighters during an incident.
Therefore the campaign by the Fire Brigades Union and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, to maintain Windsor Fire Station as a 24 / 7 emergency resource, will now intensify.
This website is a campaign tool for both Firefighters and concerned members of the public.
Your assistance and support are warmly welcomed - Please HELP our campaign.
Just a few of the famous supporters of the campaign
Breaking News
Russ Abbot adds his support to the campaign
Cliff Richard adds his support.
Dame Kelly Holmes who has joined the campaign to keep Windsor Fire Station 24/7. Kelly adds, ‘Save Windsor Fire Station!’
Kelly was on the Palace to Palace bike ride for charity. (Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle). She cycled close to Blue Watch at Windsor who are pictured with her.
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