Councillor speaks out after Merseyside Fire and Rescue announce that Crosby fire engine will not return yet

Nov 19 2009 by Janine Yaqoob, Crosby Herald

Councillor speaks out after Merseyside Fire and Rescue announce that Crosby fire engine will not return yet

“I was assured that as soon as that threat was over, that the second pump would be returned to Crosby Fire Station. Instead, we have been absolutely hoodwinked.

“We cannot afford to lose it. Crosby is a massively residential area with thousands of homes, and the firefighters also have expertise of dealing with major incidents at the docks which, with shipping growing, is becoming more important.

“This pump has been here since the 1940s and it has got to stay here.

“I am very, very concerned about the future of fire cover in Crosby.”

He added: “The support for bringing back the second pump has been immense. Firefighters who I have spoken to say they can't see the logic of removing the second pump from Crosby - apart from saving money.”

Les Skarratts, Merseyside FBU brigade secretary, said: “It is deeply disappointing to learn that the Chief Fire Officer has confirmed that the four pumps will remain unavailable for fire cover for the Merseyside communities we serve. This is despite the fact the trade dispute with respect to the alleged unfair dismissal of an FBU official is resolved and any possibility of strike action now lifted.”

lHerald comment - see page 8.

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