Bidford residents say 'don't shut our fire station' (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Bidford residents say 'don't shut our fire station'

9:34am Thursday 13th August 2009 in Evesham Vale

A CALL to arms has been sounded by residents fighting proposals which could spell the end for Bidford Fire Station.

Dozens of villagers criticised Warwickshire County Council for the secrecy surrounding the details of The Fire and Rescue Improvement Plan at a packed meeting of the Alcester and Bidford Community Forum on Tuesday.

Many fear the plan could mean cuts in the fire service throughout the Stratford district, including the loss of stations in Bidford and Studley.

Resident Tony Massingham said there could only be one reason behind the proposal – to save money.

“Saving money usually means cutting services. Should this be so, it could put property and lives at risk,” he said.

“If this is not the case, why such secrecy? If, because of the current economic climate, it is necessary to make economies, where these savings come from should be subject to open public debate.

Michael Atkins, a Bidford resident for 30 years, said the county council would “have a riot on its hands” if it tried to close the station.

Forum chairman Kim James promised a consultation meeting would be held in the village as soon as details of the plan were released.

Last week, members of the county council’s cabinet agreed to back the plan and members of all three political parties are currently working on how to put it to public consultation.

Chief fire officer Paul Fuller said the changes were needed in order to cope with the different risks and expectations facing the fire service compared with 50 years ago,including more involvement in rescue operations for road traffic accidents and flooding.

Meanwhile, more than 1,700 people have joined the Facebook group ‘Save Bidford Fire Station’, pledging their support for the campaign.