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Number of Llanelli firefighters to be cut from 28 to 13 | |
(about 7 hours later) | |
The number of firefighters in Llanelli is to be more than halved, and campaigners say lives could be at risk. | |
Mid and West Wales Fire Authority has agreed to press ahead with controversial changes, which will see 28 firefighters reduced to 13. | |
The authority has decided to change the shift system at the town's station, and senior officers deny this will stretch resources and put lives at risk. | |
Opponents staged a protest outside County Hall in Carmarthen on Monday. | |
They claimed that firefighters would be tired from working longer hours. | |
'No reduction' | 'No reduction' |
Speaking before the fire authority meeting Llanelli MP Nia Griffith said: "We want every member of the fire authority to examine their consciences and scrutinise any proposals very carefully. | |
"We are absolutely determined that there should be no reduction in service at Llanelli fire station." | "We are absolutely determined that there should be no reduction in service at Llanelli fire station." |
Service chiefs say the move is about meeting the needs of the local population and would not mean a cutback. | Service chiefs say the move is about meeting the needs of the local population and would not mean a cutback. |
Chief fire officer Richard Smith said beforehand that whatever the authority decided, present service levels would be maintained. | |
"There will be no cutback in the number of firefighters on duty, no cutback in the number of fire engines available to respond to incidents, no reduction in the response times of those fire engines and no reduction in the level of safety services provided by the firefighters from the fire station," he said. | |
In June, campaigners staged a protest march and rally against the proposed cuts at Llanelli and in August handed a petition to the chief fire officer. | In June, campaigners staged a protest march and rally against the proposed cuts at Llanelli and in August handed a petition to the chief fire officer. |
In July, Mid and West Wales Fire Service was criticised over plans to switch 21 full-time firefighters in Powys to community safety work, replacing them on emergency duties with volunteer crews. | |
Last week the North Wales Fire Authority approved plans to cut up to 36 firefighter jobs by changing rotas in an attempt to save £1m by spring 2013. | Last week the North Wales Fire Authority approved plans to cut up to 36 firefighter jobs by changing rotas in an attempt to save £1m by spring 2013. |