Local government

Firefighters in Wales have expressed their “deep concern” over proposals to merge the control room for Mid and West Wales with South Wales and relocate it to the headquarters of South Wales police in Bridgend. Although a Welsh government panel was expected to reach a decision on funding for the...

The people of Cleveland have “comprehensively rejected” proposed cuts to local fire services, firefighters said today. Over 95% of respondents to the Fire Brigade Union’s survey said that they felt lives would be put at risk if the cuts were implemented, and over 8,000 people have signed the FBU’s...

Bedfordshire firefighters thank residents and councillors for helping to save Kempston fire station from downgrading. Firefighters have thanked local residents and councillors in Bedfordshire for helping to prevent Kempston fire station from being downgraded to part-time. At a meeting on Wednesday...

Firefighters have accused the Mayor of London of having “blood on his hands” after a Woolwich pensioner lost his life following a fire in his home less than two months after his local fire station closed. Maurice Cunliffe, 83, died in the early hours of Thursday 27 February, four days after being...

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...

East Sussex firefighters are sending a Valentine’s Day message to local politicians ahead of a crucial vote on cuts to local fire services. Members of East Sussex Fire Authority — local councillors — are due to meet on Friday 14 February to decide whether the public should be consulted over plans to...

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....