A Nottinghamshire council leader has voiced ‘extreme concern’ over cuts to fire services. Councillor Simon Robinson, leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, has criticised Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Authority’s current plans as part of its Futures 2025 Efficiency Strategy that could see a reduction in services from its West Bridgford station.
Councillor Robinson said the borough's population was growing 'significantly' with developers building the most new homes of anywhere in the East Midlands and said the area had the second longest appliance fire response attendance time in the county due to its size. Current plans would leave West Bridgford station with solely day cover, leading to an expected increase in night response times by 43 seconds - the station is already significantly above the service’s eight-minute target.
Councillor Robinson said: “We appreciate that it is a difficult financial time and the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Authority have done much to reduce the costs and work within a tight financial envelope. We’re also grateful of the exceptional work of Notts Fire and Rescue as they continue to educate and reduce the incidents of serious fire.
