Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 03/12/2007 18:14

The Executive Members of Cornwall County Council recommend that Cornwall’s Fire Service should be improved.

The Leader of the Council David Whalley and Executive Member for Public Protection Ken Yeo will recommend their proposals to the full council in January.

David Whalley, Leader of the Council said: “When we met with the fire minister last week he made it clear that the Government would not give any more help to Cornwall. We were disappointed and depressed because we know how stretched all our budgets are. We came back to Cornwall determined to do something.

“We have listened to the concerns of the public and firefighters about proposed changes in the fire service, and looked at the research. Based on this information the Executive Members have looked again at the fire service.

“We cannot make decisions without the agreement of the Council but will recommend that Camborne remains a 24 hour full time firefighter station. The evidence shows the valuable work of our retained firefighters. But more money needs to be invested into the retained fire service to ensure we can recruit and retain effectively. We will therefore provide over £300,000 to improve the retained fire service. This will mean a more effective service right across Cornwall.

“The detailed risk assessment for the whole of Cornwall is due next year. If the assessment shows further changes are needed to protect people in Cornwall we will strive to find funding. One of our priorities is always to ensure the safety of the public”

The recommendation to be made to the Council means an increase in the budget for the Fire Brigade in Cornwall. It will also mean that more firefighters will be recruited.

A full risk management assessment is currently being completed. This requires analysing data using the latest software systems.

Councillor Ken Yeo, Executive Member for Public Protection added: “The concerns raised in correspondence and from the petitions presented to us, together with detailed information on all fire stations in Cornwall demonstrates that people across Cornwall value their fire service and want to see it improved. Maintaining a 24 hour full time crewed station at Camborne will give assurance to the community of Hayle.

“However until a full risk assessment has been completed it is impossible to anticipate where all fire service resources should be distributed. The Executive will be recommending an increase in funds for the fire brigade. We should redistribute these resources in order to continue the preventative work, including home fire safety checks which help to reduce the risk to life”

The recommendations from The Executive will be put to Full Council in January 2008.

For further information please contact: Davinia Grist on 01872 322785 / 07773 342905.