Firefighters have expressed their dismay at the decision by Tyne and Wear Fire Authority to continue with plans to close three local fire stations.
A vote at a meeting of the authority on Monday (17th) February means Sunderland Central, Gosforth and Wallsend fire stations could still close within the next three years.
Dave Turner, FBU secretary for Tyne and Wear, said: “This is a very sad day for firefighters and the community who were united in the campaign to keep the stations open.
“The FBU has spent a great deal of time consulting with local politicians and it is clear that most do not support any station closures, so why did they vote for a plan that neither they nor the public nor firefighters agree with?
“They ignored an obvious compromise and today’s outcome is even more disappointing than last month’s.”
The closures come despite the efforts of Millfield councillor Bob Price, whose motion to save the stations on behalf of the city council for at least three years was rendered ineffectual by an amendment by the deputy chair of the fire authority, Cllr Nick Forbes.
