Consultation on fire service shake up extended amid concerns over night time cover in Deeside
North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority is extending a public consultation aimed a gathering feedback from those who live, work and travel in the region regarding the future of its emergency cover.
Over 1,100 participants have already shared their insights both online and in paper formats, demonstrating a high level of public engagement.
The consultation, which launched on 20 July, explores three options. One of these could significantly change the staffing at Deeside Fire Station, transitioning from full-time firefighters to on-call (Retained Duty System) coverage during night-time hours.
Currently, Retained Duty System (RDS) firefighters, who often have other full-time employment, are on-call to address emergencies.
Equipped with radio pagers, they rush to the fire station when summoned. Due to strict response time mandates, they must reside or work near their designated station.
The proposed changes also include transforming rural stations such as Corwen, Dolgellau, and Porthmadog into daytime staffed stations, which would lead to the reassignment of 28 full-time firefighter roles from Deeside and Rhyl, potentially resulting in job cuts.
Three main options are being discussed:
- Relocate 12 rural and 28 full-time firefighter posts from Rhyl and Deeside to the new day-staffed stations.
- Introduce three new day-staffed stations, with potential savings of £1.1 million towards the 2024/25 budget, estimated at £6 million. This would result in a reduction of 22 full-time firefighter roles.
- Align with Option 2 but with only two day-staffed stations, leading to the closure of 5 RDS fire stations and saving £2.4 million.
All the options “would lead to a decline in night-time response standards in communities, negatively affecting densely populated areas, industrial centres, major hospitals, and regions facing economic and social challenges.” The Fire Brigades Union has said.
Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Docx, expressed gratitude towards everyone who participated in the consultation so far and emphasised the Fire Authority’s commitment to understanding public views.
“We are pleased that so many have completed our questionnaire…However, we have been listening carefully to what you have said and want to ensure that everyone has the best chance possible to record what they think our emergency cover should look like in the future,” Docx noted.
The decision to extend the deadline was influenced by a desire to grant more community members, local organisations, and representatives the opportunity to share their opinions.
Highlighting the significance of the consultation, Councillor Dylan Rees, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, remarked on the evident importance of this matter to the North Wales community.
He emphasised the essence of gathering as much feedback as possible to understand the needs and preferences of the region’s inhabitants.
Cllr Rees stated, “Your feedback is important – and I urge everyone to make sure to make the most of this opportunity before the Fire Authority makes any final decisions.”
Cllr Rees and Chief Fire Officer Docx assured the public that all feedback would be thoroughly considered before arriving at any conclusive decisions regarding the emergency services’ future.
For those still wishing to contribute, the consultation will now remain open until midnight on 30 September 2023.
Local community members plan a ‘peaceful protest’ at Deeside Fire Station on September 30th against the proposed changes.
Mell Jones, the protest organiser, commented: “Our firefighters in Deeside are integral to our community. The proposed changes might lead to delayed responses with potentially dire outcomes.”
“Considering the upcoming new housing developments, reducing essential services seems ill-advised.”
Mell who is also behind a petition added: “Please support this petition and save our local firefighters.”
The consultation can be found here: https://www.northwalesfire.gov.wales/about-us/emergency-cover-review-have-your-say/what-options-are-we-consulting-on-what-do-they-mean-for-our-communities-and-staff/
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