Volunteers to replace full-time frontline crews in Powys
Voluntary firefighters will replace full-time frontline crews tackling emergencies in three Powys towns as fire chiefs "put lives at risk" in their attempt at cost-cutting, it is claimed. Voluntary firefighters will replace full-time frontline crews tackling emergencies in three Powys towns as fire chiefs "put lives at risk" in their attempt at cost-cutting, it is claimed. Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is redeploying 21 firefighters in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon to work in the community, carrying out activities such as home safety checks. Their role will be filled by retained firefighters, who will respond to 999 calls and major emergencies – a decision blasted by Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM, who said he fears lives could be put at risk. But the fire service said today that it would ensure standards would not drop and response times would not suffer in its bid to save £1.2 million.
Voluntary firefighters will replace full-time frontline crews tackling emergencies in three Powys towns as fire chiefs "put lives at risk" in their attempt at cost-cutting, it is claimed.
Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is redeploying 21 firefighters in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon to work in the community, carrying out activities such as home safety checks.
Their role will be filled by retained firefighters, who will respond to 999 calls and major emergencies – a decision blasted by Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM, who said he fears lives could be put at risk.
But the fire service said today that it would ensure standards would not drop and response times would not suffer in its bid to save £1.2 million.
Richard Smith, chief fire officer for Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire authority was confident "there will not be a reduction in the standard of the emergency response service provided within Powys as a result of these changes".
But Mr George, who is also a county and town councillor in Newtown, said: "Emergency services are now to be delivered by retained, part-time, firefighters. While I support their skill and commitment to the fire service, I am concerned that response times could increase and lives be put at risk."
