Photo: Havant MP Alan Mak lobbies Hampshire’s Chief Fire Officer Dave Curry at Havant Fire Station
Havant MP Alan Mak has met Hampshire’s Chief Fire Officer Dave Curry at Havant Fire Station to lobby him on behalf of local firefighters and residents as a consultation on local fire service provision continues.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, led by Chief Fire Officer Curry, has asked residents for their views on a range of proposals which affect Havant, Hayling and Emsworth fire stations, as well as other fire stations across Hampshire.
The consultation closes on 4 December 2015 after which Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority, an independently body composed of county councillors from across Hampshire, will make the final decision whether to accept the planned reforms. Havant’s representatives on the Fire Authority include councillors from Leigh Park & Bedhampton, Hayling, Stakes and Purbrook.
The Fire Service say the review is taking place in light of changing risk levels; the availability of new modern fire vehicles replacing older, larger appliances; the introduction of new firefighting techniques; and the need to make financial efficiencies.
During the meeting at Havant Fire Station, Chief Curry explained that 70% of fires were small and did not threaten lives or property, whilst new technology allows firefighters to tackle property fires with fewer firefighters. Chief Curry stressed that the introduction of newer fire appliances would mean faster response times.
Alan Mak MP explained that he had met local firefighters from both Havant and Emsworth fire stations who were concerned that the changes may affect the level of fire cover locally.
The Havant MP lobbied Chief Curry to ensure that the area received effective fire cover in the future. Mak also secured an important promise from Chief Curry that no fire stations in his constituency would be closed as part of the review, and there would be no enforced job losses.
Mak also asked that the views of local residents and firefighters who respond to the consultation should be considered in depth, and given due weight.
Mak will be writing to both Chief Fire Officer Curry and Chairman of Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority Chris Carter, a councillor from Lee-on-the-Solent, to lobby on behalf of local firefighters and residents before the consultation period ends.
Alan Mak MP said, “I represented the views of local firefighters and residents I’ve met to Chief Curry, and have asked him to ensure they’re fully considered by him and the Fire Authority. Chief Curry assured me that all three local fire stations at Havant, Emsworth and Hayling would remain open, and there would be no enforced redundancies.”
Alan Mak MP added, “We all want modern, effective fire cover that reflects local community needs as well as the need for sound finances. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are the decision-makers so I encourage local residents with views to respond to the consultation.”
Dave Curry, Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire said, “Alan gave me a strong and clear message on behalf his constituents and local firefighters that they want effective fire cover locally, and I will certainly take those views on board. I value the input of local MPs who are fully entitled to lobby me in this way.”
Dave Curry, Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire added, “We want to deliver an effective service in accordance with the needs of local communities, ensuring that we match our resources to levels of known risk. In light of the changes in risk across Hampshire and potential financial challenges, it is vital that we remain relevant, become more efficient and provide residents with a first class fire and rescue service”
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s consultation closes on 4th December 2015 can be found here: http://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/about-us/a-safer-hampshire/have-your-say/