Firefighters and supporters from across North Wales took to the streets of Wrexham to defend the region’s fire service from cuts.
The protest of more than 100 people took place on the day that North Wales Fire and Rescue Service closed a public consultation on cuts to firefighters, fire stations and cover across the area.
North Wales FBU launched its “Save Our Fire Service” campaign in opposition to the options presented in the consultation, as all three would result in a reduction in fire cover. The union has put forward two alternative proposals for growth and investment in the service instead.
A petition opposing the official options has more than 1,800 signatures.
Speakers at the rally included Plaid Cymru county councillor Carrie Harper, Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj, councillor Dana Davies, representatives from Unite the Union, and FBU representatives including assistant general secretary Ben Selby.
Matt Ryan, North Wales FBU brigade secretary, said: “If any of the proposed cuts are implemented, towns and villages across North Wales will face a concerning reduction in fire cover. This means fewer firefighters and resources available to respond quickly to incidents like house fires. We have put forward clear alternatives to these dangerous cuts.”
