David Cameron springs a surprise visit
David Cameron, leader of the Conservatives, visited Windsor Fire Station on Tuesday 27th October 2009 to show his support for the campaign to keep Windsor Fire Station open 24/7
Mr Cameron, who is likely to be the next Prime Minister, referred to Windsor as,
‘’…a very important fire station…’’
David Cameron and Adam Afriyie MP on their visit.
Watch the video of David Cameron's visit
Everybody to the pumps!!
The fight to keep Windsor Fire Station has reached a critical point with campaign elements from the public, residents associations, trade associations, Adam Afriyie MP, Windsor Firefighters, the Fire Brigades Union and the Royal Borough Council converging to place intense pressure upon The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to withdraw its plans to close Windsor Fire Station at night.
Never before has a fire station campaign drawn such high profile support from major celebrities, the Royal family and across the political spectrum. At the time of this publication several long-term campaign strategies have been finalized and set in place by a staggering combination of supporters. We have managed to attract global media attention. Given the nexus with, and prominence of Windsor Castle, the issue is highly likely to evoke media curiously, time and time again.
Historically, on 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, but many people firmly believe that this would be a preliminary to full closure since the site is worth £££ millions
The Brigade proposes that Slough Firefighters would cover Windsor’s large station ground in addition to their own? This concept is seriously flawed since Slough Fire Station is one of the busiest stations within Berkshire - therefore it is entirely possible that they may NOT be available. Even if they were available, you have to add on the extra time it would take to travel to Windsor. In the Fire Service, time equates to lives.
The contribution of the Windsor appliance has also been disregarded: Windsor frequently backs up, or is first to attend incidents, within Slough, Langley, Maidenhead, Ascot and Bracknell. One Senior Fire Control Operator referred to the Windsor appliance as, ‘The glue which holds east Berkshire together’.
We believe the integrity of the emergency fire cover in east Berkshire will be seriously compromised as a result of this questionable plan. When the fire service is compromised, so are lives and property. It is particularly noteworthy that the Warwickshire Brigade was previously issued with a Health and Safety Executive Improvement Notice following the deaths of FOUR Firefighters during an incident.
How far can the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service stretch the operational concept of ‘resilience’?
We shall also be developing a media-orientated campaign, engaging with the many strong and prominent links which we have forged to date. We are acutely aware of the significance of ‘getting our message across’ and will be using all communication forums associated with marketing and media resourcing.
This website is a designated campaign tool for both Firefighters and concerned members of the public. Your assistance and support are warmly welcomed - Please click on the ‘Help our Campaign’ link.
Your assistance and support are warmly welcomed - Please HELP our campaign. How? Write to your MP, write to the newspapers, write to the Brigade and the Fire Authority members, call your local radio and TV stations and contact your residents associations and councillors.
Just a few of the famous supporters of the campaign
Breaking News
Flavia and Vincent from the BBC show Strictly come Dancing
said "Save Windsor fire station" to show their support for the campaign.
Geraldine McEwan - who was born and grew up in Old Windsor - "I was very sorry to hear that the fire station might be closed and I would like to support you in your fight to prevent this". Geraldine McEwan is one of England's most talented and versatile actresses. Her extensive theatre career is marked along the way with memorable performances that have taken risks and broken new ground, such as award-winning productions of The Rivals, The Way of the World, and The Chairs.
Elton John
"Please keep Windsor fire station open! They do a fantastic job for the community. Much love and support - Elton John"
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