Commenting on the news the plans to axe firefighters and close some stations have been abandoned by the fire authority, Welsh Conservative Shadow Social Partnership Minister Joel James MS, said:
I am delighted the fire authority have scrapped their controversial plans to axe firefighters and stations in North Wales.
The strong opposition displayed from the public and fire service indicates how valued firefighters and fire stations are within the community and how the fire service still remains vital for towns and villages across North Wales.
It is important that the fire authority’s future plans are supported by the communities they serve and do not result in a reduced capacity that puts lives at risk.
Welsh Conservative Shadow North Wales Minister Darren Millar also commented:
While I welcome the protection of existing stations in rural parts of North Wales and the U-turn on axing a crew and fire engine in Wrexham, I am still alarmed that the Norh Wales Fire Authority is proceeding with plans to reduce 24/7 staffing at fire stations in Rhyl and Deeside.
Any downgrade of these stations will put lives at risk.
I urge the Fire Authority to listen to the concerns of its own frontline firefighters and look again at these plans.
