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Chairman’s Statement

Date: 25 June 2009

At:11:30 am

Statement By Peter Roffey

Chairman Of Leicester, Leicestershire And Rutland Combined Fire Authority

At yesterday's meeting, members of the Combined Fire Authority (CFA) agreed the proposals on which a 12 week Public Consultation would take place and it was also agreed that this consultation would commence on 1 August 2009.

Within the proposals there are some significant improvements in the way that we serve the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and have a plan that would improve our efficiency without increasing costs.

We propose to build two new fire stations which, particularly for those living in North West Leicestershire, would improve our response to emergencies. In order to achieve these greater efficiencies and offer better fire and rescue cover across the northern part of Leicestershire, without increasing our costs, it would be necessary to relocate some fire engines. This could mean the possible closure of two fire stations, however, the cover that the new fire stations would provide would more than adequately compensate for any unavoidable closures.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has historically enjoyed a close working relationship with neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services on mutual support for incidents on the borders of our counties, which gives us additional support when needed within Leicestershire.

I recognise the public concern that is being generated in some areas of Leicestershire and Rutland by those opposed to change but I hope that people will reserve their judgement until all the facts are revealed in the period of Public Consultation and consider the overall benefit of our proposals to the wider community that we serve.

We intend to fully communicate all of the plans to everyone concerned and I can give reassurance that nothing will be done in secret.

Ends