Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 29/09/2007 12:00

Firefighters in Cornwall do an extremely commendable and honourable job. It is with regret that the Council needs to look with the Fire Service management at alternative ways of providing the service, instead of investing more money in its emergency service.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade has to work within the financial resources given to it by the Council and this is dependant upon the level of Government funding the Council receives to provide all its services.

The Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden was asked by Cornwall County Council to make savings because of the budget the Council had received from Government.

This budget is grossly inadequate given the many demands placed upon it by national requirements and local circumstances.

Cornwall County Council had to make savings of £15 million to balance the budget.

The Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden recommended the change to emergency cover provision at Falmouth and Camborne Fire Stations as the least worst option to remain within budget. The potential downgrading of these stations is purely a consequence of the budget.

No changes have been made to fire cover and no decision will be made on the potential downgrading of Falmouth and Camborne fire stations until the investigation of the fire at Newquay has been completed.
The investigation is still underway into the cause of the fire at The Penhallow Hotel, Newquay. A joint investigation team from the fire service and police are working closely together to determine the exact cause.

Councillor Ken Yeo (Lib Dem), Executive Member for Public Protection has called for a delegation, in consultation with local MP’s, and asked for a meeting with the Fire Minister to discuss funding issues for Cornwall County Fire Brigade. The Government currently shows no interest in making any financial exception for Cornwall’s Fire Service even though the demographics, geography and seasonal tourist industry make Cornwall a unique case worthy of extra support from Central Government.