Supporters Urged to Join March Against Proposals to Reduce Wrexham’s Fire Service

A march against controversial proposals to cut the number of fire engines in Wrexham is to take place through the town centre next month.

The march, which is the second to have taken place in recent weeks comes as a result of proposals from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority to reduce the number of full-time appliances to one.

Wrexham currently has two full time appliances, however if proposals to cut the service went ahead it is estimated 24 firefighter jobs would also be lost.

The event on Saturday 5 November will see campaigners march from Island Green to Queens Square to generate support and raise awareness of the proposed reduction in services.

It is hoped that there will be the ‘biggest possible demonstration for this important public service’,

Last month a team of campaigners took to the streets to march to Wrexham new Ambulance and Fire Service Resource Centre on Croesnewydd Road. The protest coincided with the official launch of the new £15m facility, with two Welsh Government Cabinet Secretaries in attendance at the opening ceremony.

The campaign to save the engine, one of two whole-time appliances in the town, has been led by local Plaid Cymru councillor Marc Jones. He said: “Support for the campaign is growing as people become more aware of the threat to one of our two whole-time fire engines. The online and paper petitions have been well supported and we will continue to knock doors in the area to raise awareness.

“On Saturday, 29th October, we’ll be out again under the arch opposite the Horse and Jockey collecting names and explaining the situation to people. We’ve also decided to hold a march around the town on the 5th of November, which is bonfire night, to remind people of how vital it is that we keep this engine and the 24 firefighters’ jobs that are also under threat.

“We’re asking people from the area to come out on November 5th to show their support and make it a lively and noisy protest. The consultation on this decision ends in December and a decision will be made by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority. I would urge everyone who shares our concerns to take part in the consultation and to ensure that we save this important service.”

The proposed reduction of appliances in Wrexham came following a meeting in June between members of the North Wales Fire Authority who had concluded that it was ‘no longer possible to freeze the authority’s budget’.

As a result of the meeting, the Authority’s Improvement Plan Working Group began to develop a medium term budget strategy which consists of using its reserves, increasing contributions from councils, and service cuts.

Several further options to make savings for the authority were also considered, including the closure of the control room and closing nine rural stations. However the loss of one appliance in Wrexham was described at the time as the ‘least damaging option’.

The proposals has sparked concern from residents across the County Borough, with fears over the impact such a loss could have on the area. Concerns have also been raised previously by the Fire Brigade Union (FBU).

A number of Community Councils, including Caia Park, Acton and Gwersyllt have passed a motion against cutting the service

The ‘March to Save Wrexham’s Fire Engine’ will begin at 11am on Island Green on Saturday 5 November.

You can sign the petition opposing the proposed reduction in Wrexham’s fire services here. You can also take part in the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Authority’s consultation here.

Responses to the public consultation must be submitted by December 12.