High Court fight commences to keep Windsor Fire Station open 24/7
On Wednesday the 25th July 2007, the Fire Authority voted to accept the proposals of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Integrated Risk Management Plan. One aspect of such is to CLOSE down Windsor Fire Station at NIGHT.
This was due to come into effect in late 2008 / early 2009 but the organizational timescales are now under review as a result of pending legal action.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council have commenced a judicial review of the public consultation carried out by the Brigade. This extraordinary action may see the Brigade plans deemed unlawful and a new, more open and thorough consultation ordered. This action will be heard in the High Court this year. A fair public consultation would then accurately reflect the immense public support for Windsor Fire Station leaving the stations future secure.
Meanwhile, the Brigade is proposing that Slough Firefighters should cover Windsor’s large station ground in addition to their own? This concept is seriously flawed since Slough Fire Station is the second busiest station within Berkshire - therefore it is entirely possible that they may be unavailable.
The contribution of the Windsor appliance has also been disregarded: For example, from April 2006 to April 2007, Windsor backed up Slough on 170 occasions and Langley 69 times. Windsor also backs up Maidenhead, Ascot and Bracknell on a regular basis.
We believe the integrity of the emergency fire cover in east Berkshire will be seriously compromised as a result of this questionable decision. When the fire service is compromised, so are lives and property.
Therefore the campaign by the Fire Brigades Union and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, to maintain Windsor Fire Station as a 24 / 7 emergency resource, will intensify within the forthcoming months.
This website is a campaign tool for both Firefighters and concerned members of the public.
Your assistance and support are warmly welcomed - Please HELP our campaign.
Breaking News
Rolf Harris gives his support to the campaign
Torville and Dean
Steve Cram
And now a quote from Michael Rowley the Fire Brigades Union Branch Representative at Windsor Fire Station;
‘We wholeheartedly thank Mr Parkinson for such strong, pragmatic support. He clearly understands the fundamental importance of emergency fire cover.’
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The Brigade has finally reinstated our campaign website which has been banned for over 4 months.
They’ve really dragged their heels in reinstating access – this took over 6 weeks! (As opposed to seconds to disable access to the website which was done without warning, consultation or indeed a legitimate reason)
Quote from the Fire Brigades Union Representative…
‘At last this draconian ban has been lifted and Firefighters throughout Berkshire can once again access a legitimate trade union resource.’
