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7 September 2007
Proposals were unveiled today for the future of fire cover across north east (NE) Leeds.
The aim is to provide emergency cover that meets local needs and addresses existing and potential risk to those communities. The move would ensure that staff numbers and crewing arrangements reflect local risks.
Currently, Wetherby Fire Station is paired with Moortown and Garforth is paired with Gipton with each pairing sharing the same personnel.
As part of his draft Integrated Risk Management Action Plan (IRMAP) for 2008/9, the county’s chief fire officer, Phil Toase, is recommending four stand-alone stations with their own management and crewing systems.
“We have investigated the options for emergency cover that would best meet the needs of these areas and are proposing a day crewing system for Wetherby which uses two rather than four watches,” explained Mr. Toase.
“Wholetime firefighters would provide cover from their station during the day and then from a suitable location at night. Wetherby is a low risk area and we believe that this proposal would provide the most suitable and sustainable service.”
Mr. Toase’s proposal would allow an increase in Wetherby’s daily staffing level from four to five which also addresses any potential health and safety concerns. Overall, the NE Leeds scheme would involve two additional firefighters -- who could be transferred from elsewhere in the brigade.
Free fire safety checks would be offered to every home in Wetherby and surrounding communities prior to any change taking place.
Councillor Philip Booth, who chairs West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said the IRMAP, as a whole, would be open to consultation until 3 December after which the Authority would meet to discuss the chief’s recommendations alongside any public comments.
“We have already held a number of meetings with key stakeholders to discuss options for change but this is an opportunity for everyone to make their views formally known before the Authority takes any final decision.
“Over the past four years we have made some radical improvements to fire cover across the county through the risk management planning process and by listening to the concerns of the local community. It’s not a case of one size fits all and often solutions have to be sensitively tailored to local needs and circumstances.”
A public meeting to discuss the IRMAP has already been arranged in Wetherby Town Hall on 17 September 2007 (7pm). EVERYONE WELCOME.
Full details of the IRMAP 2008/9 are available to view on-line at www.westyorksfire.gov.uk. People wishing a personal copy, or guidance on the consultation process, should telephone a special Hotline: 01274 655717.
Written representations must be addressed to the Media and Public Relations Manager, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Oakroyd Hall, Birkenshaw BD11 2DY.
OTHER ELEMENTS IN THE ACTION PLAN 2008/9
RISK REDUCTION |
56,000 free home fire safety checks to be carried out across West Yorkshire |
ROAD SAFETY |
Partnership working and intelligence sharing with the Police, Highways Agency and others to improve road safety |
ENFORCEMENT |
A pilot project to try and improve liaison between agencies involved with enforcing the law affecting retail premises e.g. fire safety inspectors, health and safety and trading standards.This should help avoid retailers receiving multiple visits. |
RETAINED RECRUITMENT |
New procedures to help boost recruitment at retained fire stations. |
ENDS
For further information contact Stephen Hardy in the Media and PR Unit
on 01274 655717