Mixed reaction as North Wales fire service sets out proposed shake-up of emergency cover
Proposals by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to shake-up emergency cover across the region have been greeted with a mixed response.
During a public consultation aimed at improving services in rural areas, fire chiefs presented people with three potential options.
A report detailing the feedback from the consultation was shared with members of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority at a meeting held today, Monday, 16th October.
Nearly 1,800 people from across North Wales participated in the consultation. Their feedback played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the proposed changes.
Among the options initially presented were the potential closure of stations in Abersoch, Beaumaris, Llanberis, Conwy, and Cerrigydrudion, as well as job losses. However, these options have now been ruled out.
The favoured option, known as ‘Option 1’, proposes moving Deeside and Rhyl fire stations to a day crewed model system.
This would also introduce three day-staffed stations at Corwen, Porthmadog, and Dolgellau.
This change would involve reallocating 28 full-time firefighters following adjustments at Deeside, Rhyl, and the rural duty system.
The day crewing shift system requires crews to work a combination of hours on the station during the day and be on-call from a base location overnight, ensuring a 24-hour response.
The Fire and Rescue Authority, based on public feedback, has decided to focus on further developing Option 1. They have ceased work on the other two options presented during the consultation.
Dylan Rees, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, expressed gratitude to those who participated in the consultation. He highlighted the importance of public engagement events held across North Wales.
The decision not to pursue the closure of individual stations or make redundancies has also been welcomed by Plaid Cymru.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, Senedd Member for Ynys Môn and leader of Plaid Cymru, said: “I’m very pleased to hear that Beaumaris fire station – and others across north Wales that were included in the recent consultation – will remain open, as was campaigned for by those communities, the FBU and by local Plaid Cymru councillors and elected representatives.
“This is the right decision to keep our communities safe – it’s vital now that the right investment can be made to encourage more people to sign up as firefighters within their local communities.”
Plaid Cymru Seiriol ward councillors Carwyn Elias Jones, Gary Pritchard and Alun Roberts added: “This is very good news for Beaumaris – we’re pleased that the community came together to make the case clearly that we opposed the proposed closure of our fire station, and would like to thank everyone who attended the public meetings, signed the petition and made their views known through the consultation process. The result is that our voice has been heard loud and clear and our station and its jobs safeguarded.”
However, the news has been greeted less warmly in parts of north east Wales.
The Fire Brigade Union has criticised the authority for its decision to focus on changes that could see out-of-hours response times in Deeside increase by up to 10 minutes.
North Wales FBU chair Stuart Stanley voiced significant concerns and described the proposed changes as “a disaster for Deeside.”
He said: “It moves it a step closer to day crewed. Day crewed will add up to 10 minutes to out of hours response times, which will include 14 of every 24-hour period.
“People who have house fires will be waiting and waiting for a fire engine to attend. It will cost lives.
“Small incidents will develop into bigger incidents, all because of the ridiculous notion that a remote community should have the same response as an urban community.”
Mr Stanley said it would also have implications for firefighting staff from Deeside if they are reallocated to Dolgellau, leaving them with long distances to travel to and from work.
He added: “This is a sad day for Deeside fire station. However, we will continue to fight as no final decision has been made on what pption 1 will look like, but it’s not promising.”
“It’s up to the fire authority to decide on the cuts in Deeside and Rhyl. We will present our case on 7/11 explaining why we believe they should maintain the current system.”
Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant said: “The fire authority’s proposal is a downgrade of services in Deeside, and it’s the wrong decision.
“I agree with the Fire Brigades Union and will continue to work with them to urge the fire authority to reconsider before their final decision.”
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx reassured the public and the union that efforts would focus on developing option 1.
She emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Fire Brigades Union at both local and regional levels.
“I would like to provide reassurance that we will work with members of the Fire Brigades Union, both on a local and regional level, to find a consensus on the way forward,” she said.
The final decision will be made in a meeting of the authority in mid-December.
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