MELKSHAM Town Council has blasted the decision to ‘downgrade’ water rescue services at local fire stations.
Councillors have described the decision to relocate technical rescue units – that respond to “Level 3” rescue incidents in fast flowing water – from Trowbridge and Chippenham Fire Stations to stations in Swindon and Dorset, as a “shocking outcome” for Melksham and the wider area, and a decision that has “increased” the risk to residents.
Discussing a report by the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Authority explaining the reasons behind its decision, cllr Jon Hubbard said, “I think it’s a very skewed report – it’s a justification for taking away resources that cover much of Wiltshire. And it’s something that every member of the fire authority from Wiltshire voted against.
“This is one of those reports that has put in lots of pictures, lots of fancy words, to try and justify a really poor decision. And it is a decision that is to the detriment of our community.”
At the meeting, councillors agreed to write to the fire authority to express their “sincere regret” about the decision and again raise concern about the “increased risk” to residents as a result.
Councillors had expressed concern to the fire authority before the decision was made, highlighting that the changes could increase response times to “major” flooding incidents in Melksham from 12 minutes up to an hour and a half.
Trowbridge and Chippenham Fire Stations will still have “Level 2” water rescue capability, which involves assisting people trapped in vehicles and homes in flood water.
The changes were also criticised by local MP Michelle Donelan, and a group of campaigners, who have launched a petition calling on the fire authority to reverse their decision.
To view the petition against the changes, visit www.change.org/p/dorset-and-wiltshire-fire-authority-rethink-the-decision-to-remove-flood-rescue-equipment-from-wiltshire
