Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has condemned the proposals that reference the intention to close Kinver, Codsall and Brewood fire stations and has urged the Chief Fire Officer at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to assure him that the proposals will not be pursued any further.
The proposals could see emergency cover removed from 18 fire stations and see the number of appliances reduced from 42 at 33 stations to 15 at 15 stations across the region. Of the three fire stations referred to in the proposals, those in Kinver and Codsall are still in the process of being built.
Staffordshire Fire Service is currently running a consultation allowing residents right across Staffordshire to submit their concerns over these proposals. The consultation runs until May 22, after which recommendations will be compiled for the fire and rescue authority to consider on July 13.
Gavin said: “I entirely oppose what is being put forward for the closure of Kinver, Codsall and Brewood fire stations and I urge you to reject this proposal for the safety of my constituents and on the grounds of the complete waste to the public purse with two of the fire stations in the process of being built.
“It is vital that constituents can rely on a fire service 24/7, especially in the more rural areas of the constituency. I have called on the Chief Fire Officer to reject these proposals look forward to hearing that these ridiculous ideas have been thrown out.”