There’s two weeks remaining to have your say on a public consultation on two suggestions from the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) relating to organisational change.

The IRMP looks at the levels of risk across West Yorkshire and puts forward suggestions to make the most of resources, and allocate them where they are needed.

The two proposals are as follows:

• To see a change in shift patterns at South Kirkby, Normanton and Castleford fire stations. The stations currently run a Day Crewing Close Call duty system which allows firefighters to respond from the station during the day and from accommodation onsite during the night. Following a recent review, the service are looking to align it with the national Day Crewing system.

• To reduce the number of aerial appliances from five to four. This is after West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out a review of the number of incidents within West Yorkshire and found five aerial appliances is more than required for the operational demand.

The consultation, which closes on Friday 29^th November will gauge public reaction to these ideas, which will be taken into account when West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority decides to approve or reject the proposals going forward.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Nick Smith said: “We’ve had a great response to the questionnaire with over 300 people getting in touch to let us know their views.

“But there’s still time to let us know what you think- and we want to hear from as many people as possible! In particular if you live in the Normanton, Castleford, South Kirby and Halifax areas where the changes are suggested we’d really love to hear from you.

“There’s a variety of ways to get in touch with us so if you haven’t then please do before the deadline at the end of this month.”

Anyone who wishes to give their views on either issue can do so by completing this form by November 29th 2019:

Alternatively you can send an email to consultation@westyorksfire.gov.uk

More follows.

Or a paper copy can be completed, which can be collected from a local fire station, or printed at home and sent to:

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Oakroyd Hall

Bradford Road

Birkenshaw

West Yorkshire

BD11 2DY