Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service cover in Cheltenham could be cut
Summary
Residents are set to have their say on proposals to modernise Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s (GFRS) cover across the county. The proposals could see fire service cover in Cheltenham reduced and cover in the Forest of Dean increased. Gloucestershire County Council‘s Cabinet is set to approve an eight-week public consultation at its meeting on July 22.
Details
The consultation would ask the public, stakeholders and workforce for their views on proposals to redeploy existing resources into creating a wholetime day crew in Cinderford. This would strengthen fire cover in the Forest of Dean and make the best use of existing resources across the county.
The proposals are based on independent analysis and data modelling which concluded that providing a day crew at Cinderford would deliver significant operational and community safety benefits. These would include faster response times, increased fire prevention work and a stronger presence in the community.
Data modelling has shown that, due to a combination of overlapping response coverage, the proximity of neighbouring stations and lower overnight demand, resources would be better placed at Cinderford during the day, rather than Cheltenham West during the night. Under the plans, Cheltenham West would retain a wholetime day crew and Cheltenham East would remain as 24-hour cover.
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If approved, the consultation will run during August and September, giving local people, firefighters, staff, community groups and businesses the opportunity to share their views before any final decision is made by Cabinet later this year. The feedback received will help shape final recommendations. The proposals also respond to financial pressures facing GFRS.
As part of the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, the service needs to deliver savings of £827,000 over the next four years. The recommended option would achieve these savings by redeploying existing resources rather than creating new posts, allowing investment to be focused where it can have the greatest impact.
Mark Preece, chief fire officer at GFRS , said: “These proposals are about making sure our resources are aligned to where risk, demand and community need are greatest. “Independent modelling shows there are opportunities to improve response times and increase prevention activity in the Forest of Dean, while continuing to provide effective fire cover across the county.
“We want to hear from the people of Gloucestershire before any decisions are taken, and I would encourage everyone with an interest in these proposals to take part in the consultation.” Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for public health, communities and fire , said: “This is an opportunity for people across Gloucestershire to have their say on proposals that could shape the future of our fire and rescue service.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester