8:50am Sunday 4th September 2011
By Keighley News reporter
Silsden's second fire engine could be moved to Keighley as part of changes to West Yorkshire's fire service.
The engine would become a back-up appliance in Keighley if the Risk Management Action Plan is approved.
The proposal follows an emergency fire cover review ordered last year by Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling.
The reforms are being fast-tracked because of the need to make millions of pounds of savings in coming years. Proposals include five new fire stations, each replacing two stations now thought to be in unsuitable areas.
There would also be a reduction of 102 full-time firefighter posts, to be achieved through natural wastage. Implementation would take place between April 2012 and 2017.
Councillor Andrew Mallinson accepted that the loss of a fire engine could be an emotive issue, but said: “I believe it's been evidenced that there is not a requirement for the engine to remain in Silsden. I don't think it's used much. Assurances have been given that public safety is utmost.”
Coun Mallinson said that the extra appliance would be able to get to Silsden quickly along the Aire Valley trunk road.
Mr Pilling said that having fewer appliances based at optimum sites would enable the brigade to maintain excellent fire cover while saving more than £4m a year.
Mr Pilling said piecemeal change had brought significant economies and improved effectiveness, but the prospect of losing around £18m in central government grants over the next four years meant the pace of reform had to accelerate.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority will discuss Mr Pilling's draft Interim Risk Management Action Plan next Friday.
If the plan is agreed, Mr Pilling will reveal further details and publish full business cases for each proposal.
Following public consultation the plan will be reconsidered.
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