Fire Service Cuts Opposed - Official
November 26, 2006 7:00 PM
Passions surged at Pendle Liberal Democrats' annual meeting this week when Coun David Whipp brought up the subject of cuts to Pendle's fire services.
Party members are outraged that downgrading the area's services could even be considered. The pump at Barnoldswick is the most seriously threatened, and until this Thursday's Fire Service meeting in Chorley, it is still unclear what will happen in Colne and Earby. The loss of pumps and the closure of stations has been threatened.
The party passed a motion condemning the cuts, making their opposition official party policy.
Coun Whipp said, "It is disgraceful what they are trying to do to us. It's not just fires that these engines help with but chemical spills and accidents. We have major employers in Barnoldswick and there are new houses being built all over Pendle. We should be increasing coverage, not cutting it."
Members of the public are being asked to take time off work to travel to a meeting in Chorley on November 30th, to make sure that the decision-makers are in no doubt at all as to the depth of feeling. Free buses will depart from Colne in time for the 10am meeting.
A final decision on the future of the services will be made at a further meeting on December 18th.
The Lib Dem meeting also heard that the local party now has over 650 members - a huge increase on last year.
Coun Tony Greaves said, "If you look at what has been going on locally with the hospital, fire cuts and everything else, I don't think anyone will be surprised."
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