West Leeds residents can give their views on proposals to cut firefighters at Stanningley Fire Station.
West Yorkshire Fire Service says it’s making the cuts following reduced funding from national government.
Proposals include removing one Fire Response Unit (FRUs) from Stanningley and Fairweather Green fire stations.
FRUs are smaller fire engines that deal with incidents such as refuse fires, car fires and automatic fire alarms in commercial premises. FRUs do not respond to life risk incidents or to incidents where it is apparent that the fire is likely to spread to property.
This proposal will also remove eight crew managers and 24 firefighter posts across both Stanningley and Fairweather Green fire stations. The staff will re-deploy to other posts across the service.
The proposal is part of plans to shed 44 posts across the county to bring staffing levels in line with the WYFRS budget and make savings of £1.8m.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Rhodes said:
“Firstly, I would like to give the reassurance that public and firefighter safety is our priority and have been at the forefront of our minds when carrying out research and drawing up the proposals.
“However, the challenge we have is to provide a first class, effective, yet also efficient and economic service using finite resources.
“Difficult decisions must be made, but we believe these proposals are proportionate to the risk and demand in the communities they serve and will enable us to continue to provide an excellent service to the public of West Yorkshire. The proposals would have minimal impact on service delivery.”
Councillor Judith Hughes, Chair of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said:
“Over the past five years, the Authority has seen a 40 per cent reduction in its funding from Central Government, which is why we have been forced to make some difficult decisions. We have had to look at ways to reduce our spending without impacting on public safety. This initiative will also be done in line with retirement profiles, hence there will be no need for compulsory redundancies.
“I would encourage members of the public and staff to take a look at the plans and, if they feel appropriate, give their feedback.”
Have your say
The full business cases for both proposals can be viewed at www.westyorksfire.gov.uk
A dedicated consultation hotline has been set up, so if members of the public have any questions they should call 01274 655784.
Anyone who would like to submit a formal representation should do so in writing by Friday, 3 February by emailing IRMPconsultation@westyorksfire.gov.uk or by writing to Consultation Co-ordinator, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service HQ, Oakroyd Hall, WYFRS HQ, Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, BD11 2DY.
How can it be said that we will have an efficient fire service when you are cutting jobs. Get real. Blood will be on your hands if we have a major fire in the Bramley, Stanningley area and we don’t have sufficient firefighters close by. You should live in the real world. We need proper protection in our area.