Labour Councillors call for a rethink on Fire Station cut backs.

Labour councillors have today launched a campaign to save Kidsgrove Fire Station. Staffordshire Fire Authority has proposed to cut emergency response capabilities from the Kidsgrove Station. These plans have been revealed despite the huge increase in housing developments across the area. Residents are now fearing the worst and believe Kidsgrove needs it’s own dedicated Fire Station.  Some of the proposals mean that services could be stretched to the limit, sharing stations and staff with Cheshire.

This news has also come about following the Fire Authority’s decision to increase the Fire Service’s share of Council Tax by 1.95%.  A consultation day will be held on Wednesday 25th March, Kidsgrove Town Hall at 6pm.

Councillor Kyle Robinson said: “At a time when housing developments are on a massive increase across the Butt Lane area, I consider it is more important than ever to have our own operational Fire Station in the locality.  I am not convinced that our community will remain safe from serious incidents following the removal of emergency response capabilities and I would urge Staffordshire Fire Authority to think again.  I hope the consultation will be a genuine exercise and not a tick box scenario to close down yet another vital public service in Kidsgrove.  Put public safety before cuts.”

Town Councillor, Sylvia Dymond said: “It would be a shocking state of affairs if this station closed permanently.  The money spent to build these facilities cannot be returned following any closures.  When budgets are tight and community facilities are closing all across Staffordshire, we need to protect what we already have for local people.  I for one will not be letting this station close or see its services reduce without a fight.”

Local resident Julie Jukes said: “I am outraged that the managers of the fire service would even consider cutting back something as essential as this.  My neighbours are very worried and I will be backing this campaign.”

https://www.change.org/p/staffordshire-fire-and-rescue-service-save-kidsgrove-fire-station?recruiter=62857735&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive