Fire station closure plans opposed

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority met last week to discuss seven potential money-saving options in response to Government funding cuts.

The panel confirmed their opposition to closing any of South Yorkshire’s 23 fire stations but conceded that “difficult decisions” needed to be taken to cut the authority’s budget by up to £9 million by 2015.

But they decided to give further consideration to plans for a self-rostering system for firefighters—in place of the additional watch-based system—and to cutting the number of 999 control room operators.

Job cuts not ineveitable in £9m fire service cuts - see this week's Advertiser.

These two moves, which will be discussed further at the authority’s next meeting and would have to involve consultation with trade unions, would result in 62 and nine job losses respectively and be expected to save £2.47 million from the annual budget.

Five other options, including shutting three fire stations, removing three back-up vehicles and reducing the size of pump crews from five to four firefighters have all been put on hold for the time being.

Fire authority members also decided not to pursue any plans to introduce close proximity firefighting, where night shifts would be covered by volunteer firefighters living near stations, or merge the Technical Rescue Unit at Dearne station with regular firefighters.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and the fire authority said in a joint statement: “

Members also heard that a financial update showing full details of exactly what the Government cuts would mean for South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue was not expected to be known for some weeks.

“Members will continue to monitor the financial situation over the coming weeks.

“They have reiterated the importance of achieving efficiency changes without the need to close any fire stations.”

Voters in our poll on this issue felt the fire authority was right to consider closing fire stations.

The result of the poll was as follows:

Do you think South Yorkshire Fire Service should consider closing fire stations?

Yes, they have to make big cuts like everyone else. - 58.1%

No, closing any stations would be a disaster for public safety. - 35.0%

Maybe, but safety comes first. - 6.9%

To take part in our latest poll, click here.

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Fire stations at risk - original story.

Police gear up to make £15m cuts.