Russell George has lobbied his colleagues in the National Assembly for Wales to support his call to protect Montgomery and Knighton Fire Stations from the proposed cuts being planned by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, has tabled a Statement of Opinion in the National Assembly calling on other Assembly Members to back his calls to protect both stations from any forthcoming cuts because of their ‘vital strategic importance’ in providing fire and rescue services for Mid Wales and the Borders. Statements of Opinion can be tabled by any Assembly Member, other than a Member of the Government, on matters affecting Wales. Statements of Opinion may be supported, opposed or subject to comment.
The statement submitted by Mr George not only notes public concern regarding the proposed cuts across the region but urges Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to prioritise the safety of communities by maintaining those services that are most strategic.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“There is genuine public concern about these proposed cuts and I think it is right that members of the National Assembly, whichever party they represent, acknowledge that fact.
“While I am concerned about all the proposed regional cuts, I am particularly concerned about the plans for Montgomery and Knighton, which not only service many of the residents of Mid Wales, they also provide important supportive cover for those living and working on the border, as well as for some residents in Shropshire.
“They are strategically important and I think must be shielded from any proposed cuts.”
In separate action, the AM also wrote to the Health Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, highlighting concerns about the potential loss of the Co-Responder Unit, which is currently situated at Montgomery Fire Station.
He added:
“Montgomery also hosts the Co-Responder Unit, which is a critically important service for the Newtown and Welshpool areas, as the team manning the unit are deployed in cases where they can aid a patient ahead of any ambulance reaching that location.
“The utilisation of the Unit in rural areas can literally be the difference between life and death.
“The residents of Powys are already concerned about ambulance waiting times, so the uncertainty of the Co-Responder Unit is just an added anxiety.”
