COUNCILLOR URGES THE PUBLIC TO RESPOND TO FIRE AUTHORITY CONSULTATION

10.40.27am GMT Wed 16th Jan 2008

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ian Doggett is urging local people to respond urgently to a consultation that the Devon and Somerset Fire Authority is carrying out. The Fire Authority's consultation includes two options, with both involving reductions in staffing for Paignton fire station. The fire station in Paignton would go from providing 24 hour emergency cover to being staffed only during daytime hours with retained duty staff covering night-time.

Councillor Doggett has himself responded to the public consultation online. The consultation can be done online by going to www.dsfire.gov.uk and following the link to the consultation on the Authority's Corporate Plan. Comments can also be emailed to: ConsultationOfficer@dsfire.gov.uk

Councillor Doggett said:

"The three Liberal Democrat Councillors for Paignton, Christine Carter, Ruth Pentney and myself are desperately concerned about the Fire Authority's proposals. They have serious implications for Paignton, so I would urge members of the public to respond as quickly as possible. The consultation closes on February 4th, so there is only just over two weeks left for people to make their views known. I have gone online and completed the consultation and made it clear that any cuts to front line services are unacceptable, and urged them to look at their backroom operations instead."