Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has assured people in Stone that no decisions have yet been made on its proposals to remove the second appliance from the town, and has urged residents to give their views.
Two new drop-in sessions are being held at Stone Community Fire Station as part of an ongoing consultation.
Representatives from the service will attend both events to discuss the options for change in more detail. The sessions will take place from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 22nd April and Wednesday 29th April. Residents are being encouraged to drop in at any point during those times. Local councillors have also received letters informing them of the events and inviting them to attend.
Local people can also get involved by completing the online questionnaire which is available HERE until 22nd May.
Businesses, voluntary sector and public sector partners are also being consulted on a range of potential options designed to help address future risks, meet demands and achieve financial savings targets. The service has already saved £4 million since 2010 and will have to save an additional £5.7 million between 2015 and 2020.
There’s lots more information on the service’s proposals for Stone in our article HERE. A petition has been organised in the town to oppose the removal of the second appliance and is available in many shops in the town centre.
Group manager for the west of the county Dermot Hogan said: “We are looking into a range of options for Stone and the county as a whole and are keen to hear the views of local people. These two drop-in sessions will enable residents to speak to representatives from the service and to find out more about the proposals which relate specifically to Stone. The consultation will run until May 22 and we want to garner as many opinions as possible prior to that date.
“I would reiterate that absolutely no decisions have been made on any of the proposals and that the input of residents is vital to deciding how the service will operate in the future.”
