Fire cover at Oakham is saved from cuts
FIREFIGHTERS are confident they have won their campaign to continue providing full time cover in Oakham.
The future of the station has been under threat for months since long-term plans revealed possible changes for fire crews across Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue had suggested scrapping 24-hour cover in Oakham in favour of night-time cover provided by retained crews. It would have seen firefighters on duty at the station from 7am until 7pm but working on call from their homes overnight.
But sources have confirmed Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority is no longer looking at making changes to Oakham.
Instead two fire stations in Leicestershire, Syston and Moira, could be closed, and two new ones could be built at Birstall and Castle Donington.
A day-time crew could also be added to Melton fire station to boost emergency cover in east Leicestershire and Rutland.
Fire Brigades' Union spokesman Tom Neal has welcomed the news about Oakham. He said: "The major issue was that if we had retained firefighters called out from their homes there would be the possibility of delays. An extra five to 10 minutes is the difference between life and death.
"It appears that good sense has prevailed and I would like to think this is down to the efforts of the firefighters and the support of the community."
Since December Oakham firefighters put together a 5,586-strong petition calling for the current services to be retained. It was supported by MP Alan Duncan and Rutland County Council.
Mr Neal added: "Although we are obviously happy about the decision for Oakham, we recognise that there are other stations in Leicestershire which are still under threat."
The plans were discussed by the fire authority members on Wednesday in private.
Fire authority chairman Peter Roffey, said: "Members of the combined fire authority have agreed the proposals on which a 12-week public consultation will take place."
The public consultation on the plans will start on August 1.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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