Concerns Over Proposals to Reduce Wrexham’s Fire Service Raised at Meeting

Concerns over plans to reduce the number of Wrexham’s fire appliances have been put to fire chiefs by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.

Mr Lucas met with Chair of North Wales Fire Authority, Meirick Lloyd Davis, Chief Fire Officer Simon Smith and Assistant Chief Gary Brandreth to raise his concerns on the impact the reduced provision will have on Wrexham.

The proposals put forward by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority in May 2016 include reducing Wrexham’s full-time fire engines from two down to one.

A consultation on the proposals took place last year, with Mr Lucas being one of a range of politicians to voice his concerns when the proposals were put out for consultation.

Last week’s meeting, held in Wrexham, allowed Mr Lucas to repeat his concerns directly.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “There is much concern in Wrexham at the level of arsons locally and, only last week, the Police and Fire Service launched a campaign highlighting the dangers.

“In this context, it is difficult to understand why local reductions in cover are proposed. The Chair and Chief Executive explained that the Authority was under severe financial pressure and, as a result of wanting to keep fire station in rural areas across North Wales open, they were cutting services in Wrexham.

“As Wrexham’s MP, I oppose this.

“Firefighters have told me personally these changes will diminish the service in the town. I am trying to work to reverse this decision which, fundamentally, is due to Tory UK Government cuts.”

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority are due to meet at the Guildhall at 10:30am on March 20th.