Fire Brigades Union condemns "savage" cuts to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

The Fire Brigades Union today urged people in Devon and Somerset to protest against what they called "the most savage cuts ever to their local fire and rescue service".

It was revealed this morning that Ilfracombe fire station in North Devon could become a retained station instead of being manned during the day, to save some £900,000.

The government has reduced its grant to the Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service by 10.3% for the year 2013/14 and 7.3% for the year 2014/15. This means a loss of £3.4 million in the next financial year and £2.1 million the following.

The union described the cuts as "three times more savage than any ever imposed on the service before, by any previous government" and said "this gives the lie to Minister Eric Pickles' claim that the fire and rescue service is somehow being protected".

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Trevor French, Devon and Somerset FBU secretary said: "Rather than just accept these enormous cuts forced upon us by central government, the fire authority along with chief fire officer Lee Howell should tell the coalition government that this scale of cuts is unacceptable, risks destroying the fabric of this important service, and ultimately puts more lives at risk.

The union said as a rural service and one of the biggest in the country, Devon and Somerset have long argued that a 'sparsity' factor should be included in any grant settlement received. This would take into account the lack of neighbouring services for support and the sheer scale of area that has to be covered by one fire and rescue service.

Bob Walker, FBU brigade chair said: "If the cuts proposed go through, there will be fewer firefighters, fewer fire stations and fewer fire engines. After the recent floods and fires firefighters have dealt with so professionally, the cuts would be a real kick in the teeth for both the public and the service. The FBU is asking people in our communities to stand up against damaging proposals for the fire and rescue service before it is too late."