Fire Service Consultation Opens

Public consultation opens today (Wednesday 3 July) on proposals to make significant changes to the way the Service operates.

The consultation period runs for 12 weeks until 22 September 2019 and there are a number of ways for everyone to engage with the consultation.

The online consultation survey is now live on the Service's website hereand residents are invited to come along to local public 'drop-in' exhibitions across Devon and Somerset.

The exhibitions have been arranged across the Service area, particularly near areas most affected by the proposals, for people to ask questions about this consultation and the future of the Service.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Pete Bond said: "We really want to hear what you have to say about the proposed service options, so please use this opportunity to engage with us and have your voice heard."

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is considering closing or removing a number of low risk/low activity fire stations and fire engines, and reinvesting the savings into prevention work in the community.

Further information has been published on the website

Public 'drop-in' exhibitions

Bridgwater Library

Binford Place, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3LF

Tuesday 27 August 2019 12-4pm

Taunton Library

Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3XZ

Tuesday 30 July 2019 1-5pm

Yeovil Library

King George Street, Town Centre, Yeovil, BA20 1PY

Contact InformationPaul Slavenpslaven@dsfire.gov.uk

Options

The options are summarised below.

Option 1- Station closures at Appledore, Ashburton, Budleigh Salterton, Colyton, Kingston, Porlock, Topsham, Woolacombe)

Option 2- Station closures listed in option 1, plus removal of third fire engines at Bridgwater, Taunton, Torquay and Yeovil

Option 3- Option 2, plus removal of second fire engines at Crediton, Lynton, Martock and Totnes

Option 4- Option 3, plus change of status to day crewing at Barnstaple, Exmouth and Paignton

Option 5- Option 4, plus change of status of second fire engine to on-call at night only at Brixham, Chard, Dartmouth, Frome, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Okehampton, Sidmouth, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton, Wellington, Wells and Williton

Option 6- Option 5, plus the introduction of day crewed roving fire engines for targeted response and additional prevention work

Option 7 -- Mix and match option, the opportunity to include any combination of the elements used in the other options. Please see the consultation document for further details