Sedgley fire station - what do you think?

10:56am Wednesday 6th August 2008

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SEDGLEY residents are being urged to give their views on the future of the town’s fire station.

West Midlands Fire Service are considering removing the current emergency facilities with engines from surrounding stations taking the calls.

The future of the Tipton Road station has been unclear for many months. It has been shut since June 2007, when all crew members were suspended for gross misconduct.

Despite six firefighters being re-installed in October following retraining, they have to travel to the station first once a call is received.

However Fire Service bosses say evidence shows fire engines from Dudley, which is less than two miles away, can be in attendance in the area quicker than its own crews and are proposing to remove the fire engine altogether.

Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan, said: “The arrangements we have historically had in place at Sedgley no longer represent the best use of our resources.

“Removing the fire engine from Sedgley will not have an adverse impact on emergency cover for the area.”

Residents are invited to give their views as public consultations runs until Monday October 20.

A leaflet providing information about the proposals will be distributed throughout the local area and is also available at www.wmfs.net Following the consultation period all responses will be collated and handed to West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority who will make the decision.

Residents can voice their opinions by letter addressed to ‘Sedgley - Consultation Issues, West Midlands Fire Service Headquarters, Lancaster Circus Queensway, Birmingham B4 7DE’ , or by phoning 0121 380 6116 or emailing consultation@wmfs.net