West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper defends Skelmersdale firestation from cuts to capacity

Oct 18 2012 by Tom Duffy, Skelmersdale Advertiser

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper defends Skelmersdale firestation from cuts to capacity

WEST Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has joined the fight to protect front line services at Skelmersdale fire station.

The MP met with Lancashire’s Fire Chief, Chris Kenny, last week at the station to voice her concern at a proposed reduction to its frontline capacity.

Lancashire fire service has proposed reducing the fire station’s capacity from a four watch (crew) duty system to two.

The fire service has said that day crewing will allow the station to retain its ability to provide emergency cover.

The day crewing system, which has already been introduced at Penwortham and St Annes, relies on crews providing standby cover during their working week.

The scheme relies on firefighters sleeping on site, and responding to emergencies as they happen.

Rosie Cooper told the Advertiser :“I want to thank Chris Kenny for taking the time to meet with me at Skelmersdale fire station to discuss my concerns about the new proposals and what this will mean for emergency fire services here in West Lancashire.

“Obviously, I am deeply worried by any proposal that would bring about a 50% reduction in staffing levels.