News

Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

24 January 2008

Congratulations to Shepway District Council. They have come together to object to the proposals set out in the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan for 2008/9.

In a letter signed by Robert Bliss, Leader of the Council, Lynn Beaumont, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Brian Copping, Leader of the People First Group, they have put forward a powerful case why these proposals should not be implemented.

I have myself written to the Chief Fire Officer endorsing the objections made by the District Council and asking that they be given great weight in the consultation exercise that has just been closed.

The proposals are to remove one full time fire engine and the specialist height vehicle from Folkestone Fire Station leading to the loss of 24 fire fighters and a significant diminution in the fire cover provided for Shepway.

As the letter points out this and a number of specific reasons, particularly to our area, why these proposals should not be implemented.

Operation Stack would make it more difficult for appliances from Ashford to reach Folkestone in an emergency. Folkestone Fire Station provides the critical second line of defence for call-outs arising from the operation of the Channel Tunnel. There are doubts about the availability of the retained crews, despite the magnificent contribution they make. Shepway is the 11th most likely area to flood in the UK yet the review of the Services capacity to respond to water related ‘incidents’ is still not complete.

Last, but by no means least, the Fire Authority’s own figures demonstrate that service will be diminished and there must therefore be an increased risk of fatality, albeit marginally.

It all adds up to a powerful case. I endorse it. I hope the Fire Authority is listening.