William Powell AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs, has today raised concerns in the Senedd over the potential impact of Fire and Rescue service reconfigurations across Mid and West Wales and called on the Welsh Government to bring forward a statement on the proposals.
William Powell AM, Mid and West Wales, said:
“There is particular alarm with regard to the proposed closure of Knighton Fire Station – as Clun just cross the Shropshire Border also stands to lose its own station. This would leave the wider area dangerously exposed. In the town of Montgomery, the potential closure of the fire station also gives cause for alarm, given its proximity to Welshpool Airport, the operating base of the vital Wales Air Ambulance.
“I am also aware that the proposal to move from full-time to part-time cover in Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock is causing considerable anxiety, particularly given the energy installations and oil refineries that are close by.
“Clearly there are essential services across Mid and West Wales which need Fire and Rescue coverage in order to operate safely. There are now genuine questions over whether that will be possible – to the present degree – should the proposed reconfigurations take place.”
