Decision details

Resolved

(1)            That the following motion be adopted:

“Council notes

1.     That Oxfordshire County Council is currently considering proposals that merge Rewley Fire Station with Kidlington Fire Station into a single Fire Station.

2.     The proposals also include the loss of four full time Firefighters at Banbury Fire Station,  and the implementation of 12 hour day shifts for firefighters at Bicester Fire Station.

3.     Cherwell is a growing district which places greater demand on local emergency response capacity.

4.     The proposals could affect response times and lead to diminished fire cover for incidents across Cherwell and Oxfordshire. The FBU has said the implementation of 12 hour shifts is unsafe.

Council believes

1.     Closing and merging stations could increase average response times, when Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's response times are already significantly longer than the national average.

2.     The loss of four full time Firefighter positions in Banbury and implementation of 12 hour shifts at Bicester could have a detrimental impact on public safety in Cherwell.

3.     That decisions on fire service changes must prioritise public safety above financial or administrative considerations. 

Council therefore resolves to:

1.     Support residents and Firefighters in Oxfordshire by making clear our opposition to the reduction in Firefighter numbers, implementation of 12 hour shifts, and the merger of Kidlington and Rewley Fire Stations.”

(For information, an amendment to the motion was proposed, seconded and debated. On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost and the motion was subsequently adopted as submitted).  

For information, having been proposed, seconded and responded to by the Leader, the motions “Free Parking on Remembrance Sunday” and “Supporting our High Streets” were referred to Executive.