Shrewsbury MP expresses fears over fire engine loss
MP Daniel Kawczynski has said he has "grave concerns" about the prospect of Shrewsbury losing one of its full-time fire engines under potential fire service cutbacks.
The loss of a full-time fire engine from either Shrewsbury or Telford is being considered by fire authority bosses in order to make financial cuts.
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority last week ruled out the proposed closure of retained stations in Baschurch, Clun, Hodnet and Prees following public campaigning and risk assessments.
The service is facing an estimated budget shortfall of up to £1.7 million by 2020. About £450,000 of cuts have already been identified – including reducing contributions to reserves and using retained duty staff to cover full-time vacancies in the short and medium-term.
Mr Kawczynski, who represents Shrewsbury and Atcham, has written to Councillor Stuart West, chairman of the fire authority, to express his "grave concerns" about the idea.
"Shrewsbury has over 660 heritage listed buildings, including several examples of timber framing from the 15th and 16th Century," he said.
"Any fire in or near these listed buildings would need to be rapidly responded to in order to save hundreds of years of history.
"In addition to the unique architecture of our town, this is a community which is rapidly expanding. Shropshire Council currently has planning permission for more than 7,000 houses, which in order to safeguard will require a full fleet of engines to be in service." He said the use of reserves or the possibility of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service merging with another local brigade should be under consideration.
