South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle is calling on the Scottish Government for reassurances about the future of fire stations across Ayrshire. The call follows the release of proposals from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to redesign and modernise the service involving the closure of fire stations and reductions in firefighter numbers.
Ayrshire is home to a number of retained fire stations; where fire fighters have jobs outside the fire service but respond to emergency calls in their local area; and Brian Whittle is looking for reassurance that these stations won’t be put at risk in any future restructuring.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“While it’s important that our fire service is fit for the 21st century, I’m wary of any proposal if it involves reducing the number of stations in rural areas. Retained stations in places like Mauchline, Colmonell, Girvan, Maybole, Dalmellington, New Cumnock & Cumnock play an important role in protecting their local area. Being able to get to the scene of fires and other emergencies quickly can make all the difference. I’ll be writing to the Head of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the responsible minister within the Scottish Government to clarify their plans and emphasise the importance of ensuring that response times for rural communities don’t suffer as a result of any changes.”