A decision to make cuts to frontline firefighting across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been delayed – but the closure of Bembridge and Yarmouth fire stations is being pushed forward.
It was on Friday that the authority was due to make a decision on whether or not to make a sweeping number of changes, including the closure of Bembridge and Yarmouth fire stations and the removal of 1 of 2 Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALP) on the Isle of Wight.
Sadly, for the Isle of Wight, the Authority backed the plans to close the 2 stations and remove the ALP from Newport. However, plans to restructure the operational officers rota system, implement a new heavy rescue vehicle – allowing HIWFRS to reduce 16 wholetime firefighter posts – and put in place a new group structure with a middle manager restructure have been pushed down the road.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has hailed the decision by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Authority to delay the cuts as a significant win for their ‘Stop, Think and Reassess’ campaign, with calls now being made for the region’s MP to lobby for additional funding.
The FBU says that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has already lost 1 in 4 firefighters since 2010, and recent inspections reveal the service is struggling to meet its own emergency response standards. The latest HMICFRS report rated the service as inadequate in staffing and skills, requiring improvement in emergency response and resource management, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Mark Chapman, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for the Southern Region, has said:
“Today’s outcome is a big achievement for our ‘Stop, Think and Reassess’ campaign. FBU members and concerned members of the public have every right to feel proud of themselves.
“We now have extra time to fight for the funding we need to stop frontline job losses. If these cuts go through, response times and our ability to respond to emergencies will deteriorate leaving homes and lives at greater risk.
Article continues below this advertisement “It’s time for MPs in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to step up and push central government to plug the gap. After 15 years of austerity, this fire and rescue service is on its knees.
“This government must deliver the positive change it has promised.”
Now, “let’s be clear” on this “time line”.
I understand “delayed”, “sooner”, “later”, “earlier”, as ways of describing time.
What is not clear and confusing are terms like “pushed forward”, “pushed back” and lastly, today, “pushed down the road”.
what’s happening when, help!
Build a bridge or tunnel then mainland engines
can get to the Island quickly.
Job done.
Do one you are very obviously not a Caulk head but an overner so no rights to comment on staying an Island when your family have had at least 5 generations born and bred feel free to comment however boringly.
Perhaps the Fire Authority would like to hold a public meeting and discuss this with the residents whose lives and property will be at greater risk
Like the poor sods in Bembridge having to wait for appliances to come from Ryde or Sandown or both. They are not as quick as cars. When I was a firefighter at the Bembridge station back in the late 60s and early 70s several times we were called to assist the Ryde crew and it was not that quick even running on “Blues and Twos” it took valuable time. Once we did not make it as our appliance overturned at “Dustbin corner” at Bembridge harbour due to a motorist day dreaming and looking towards the harbour. I still have the photos of it. But there it is, progress and common sense, my arse.