PLANS are underway to reduce the number of firefighters at Stroud Fire Station - and to cut the specialist rescue appliance based there.

Fire crews were recently told of plans to reduce the number of firefighters on each watch from 10 to seven - meaning that 12 firefighters out of the 40 currently based at Stroud would get relocated elsewhere in the county.

They were also told of a proposal not to replace the town's specialist rescue appliance which is no longer fit for purpose.

The appliance, which carries heavy-duty rescue gear, is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is used mainly in road accidents.

It is the only permanently crewed vehicle of its type in Gloucestershire.

The Fire Brigades Union representatives met with crews at Stroud Fire Station on Tuesday, August 3 to discuss their reactions to the proposals.

Firefighter Karen Gobey, a FBU representative who lives in Stroud, said it was unanimously agreed to 'vigorously oppose' the cuts.

She said the cuts would directly impact on the ability of fire crews to carry out 'vital life saving operations' not only in Stroud but also as far afield as Cirencester and Berkeley.

“This disgraceful plan will mean that communities in and around Stroud will be getting a reduced service from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service," she said.

"This is about saving a few pounds when crews know that it will cost lives.

"We are dedicated professionals who pride ourselves on serving our communities but we need the tools to do so, cutting this life saving appliance would severely hamper our ability to do this.”

But Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service area manager Nathan Travis said specialist cutting gear held on the specialist rescue appliance will be transferred on to one of the normal fire engines in Stroud.

“This means the normal engine would then be able to respond to road accidents in the Stroud district as it will carry all the necessary equipment," he said.

“Staff are currently being consulted over these proposals and the service will also be asking people in the Stroud area what they think of the plans over the next few months.”

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