Firefighters in Cleveland will hold a rally against cuts to local fire and rescue services in Middlesbrough town centre at lunchtime this Saturday.
Davy Howe, Fire Brigades Union secretary in Cleveland, said: “The firefighters of Cleveland need the support of our local community now more than ever.
“Teeside is more at risk from industrial fire than almost anywhere else in Europe, and these cuts will mean slower response times and a far greater risk to the public and firefighter safety from fire, road traffic collisions and other emergencies, including floods.
“Please come and show your support on Saturday and register your concerns over these dangerous cuts by filling in our survey and petition and by writing to your local councillors and MPs to tell them ‘no’!”
Speakers will include:
– Labour MP for Middlesbrough Andy McDonald
– Labour MP for South and East Cleveland Tom Blenkinsop
– Fire Brigades Union national President, Alan McLean
– Local firefighters and FBU officials.
Firefighters have expressed “grave concerns” over what they say are dangerous cuts outlined in Cleveland Fire Authority’s recent Community Integrated Risk Management Plan 2014-18’ (CIRMP).
Local FBU officials have promised to embark on a public information and consultation campaign, including before Saturday’s rally, after criticising the “ambiguity” of information provided to firefighters and the short length of the consultation process (8 weeks rather than the government’s recommended 12).
The FBU says cuts would mean:
– The loss of 5 Fulltime Fire Engines to be replaced with Part time (on call) crewing.
– The loss of 130 full-time firefighter Jobs (more than 25%)
– The permanent closure of Marine Fire Station in Middlesbrough town centre, which serves the two highest risk wards in Cleveland
– The loss of an as yet unknown number of ‘back office’ jobs.
– Less specialist equipment
– A deterioration in quality training time
– A reduced ability to carry out essential community fire safety and prevention work, including advice and visits.
The FBU will be formally responding to the authority’s CIRMP shortly.
The FBU’s online petition can be found at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/oppose-the-cuts-in-cleveland-fire-brigade
The FBU’s online questionnaire can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7L5J876
