Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 22/11/2007 14:50

The Leader of Cornwall County Council David Whalley, Executive Member for Public Protection Ken Yeo and Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden met with the Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda MP yesterday.

The County Council had written to the Minister in September, requesting the opportunity to discuss funding issues for Cornwall County Fire Brigade. The Government currently makes no financial exception for Cornwall’s Fire Service even though the demographics of the County are unique.

Leader of Cornwall County Council David Whalley said: “We want to provide the best possible fire service for Cornwall but have to work within the level of funding the Government provides. We demanded a meeting with the Minister in order to explain why Cornwall is unique”

He cont: “We are extremely disappointed; we have been spurned. The Minister recognised the problems we have here in Cornwall and the lack of funding. But despite this, he was not prepared to help. I suppose I should have expected that from the Labour Government that is more concerned with city areas, but it is still very disappointing.”

The Minister was presented with very detailed information demonstrating the immense challenges of providing fire cover in Cornwall.

Executive Member for Public Protection Ken Yeo added: “Having given the Fire Minister the opportunity to address the inadequate funding, we now need to review the options within the limited budget in order to provide an adequate fire service for the people of Cornwall”

The Councillors were supported at yesterday’s meeting by the Cornish MP’s.