THE Prime Minister has agreed to arrange talks with ministers over controversial plans that could see eight fire stations across Wiltshire and Dorset close.
Sir Keir Starmer made the commitment after South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons yesterday.
In Wiltshire, the stations under review are Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton. In Dorset, Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton are at risk.
The proposals from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority are currently under public consultation.
Dr Murrison told the Commons: “As a result of grant cuts and over-optimistic Treasury assumptions on council tax base growth, eight fire stations and 96 retained firefighters across Wiltshire and Dorset face the axe.
“Will the Prime Minister please facilitate an urgent ministerial meeting for Wiltshire and Dorset MPs to discuss extending the precept flexibility permitted elsewhere – at no cost to the Treasury – to our fire and rescue service so that its fire stations and its dedicated firefighters can continue to serve our community?”
The Prime Minister has agreed to arrange talks between ministers.
Sir Keir replied: “I thank the right hon. Member for raising that case. I do not know the particular details, but I will ensure that the relevant meeting is set up so that they can be explored.”
Afterwards, Dr Murrison said: “I’m pleased with Sir Keir’s undertaking and look forward to discussing a rescue plan with ministers urgently that will save our threatened fire stations and the dedicated firefighters that staff them.”
The consultation runs until May 15, with the fire authority expected to make a final decision on June 30.
Dr Murrison told The New Blackmore Vale Magazine he was “appalled” by the proposals when the consultation opened last month and urged residents to respond.
The consultation runs until May 15, with the fire authority expected to make a final decision on June 30.
To take part, visit Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website.
Who is the consultation with?
Because if it involves local people then it’s a given
They’d stay open, This word consultation is to easily used the decision has already been made they will close
Like the consultation over speed limit reduction in Gillingham locals overwhelmingly said No!
Decision had already been made
Like the consultation over the Shaftsbury tip using a booking system again overwhelmingly opposed
But decision had already been made
So consultation my backside! Not a hope in hell of staying open unless the government intervenes
Then it will be a reprieve 12 months
Well done Dr. Murrison.