Felixstowe: 1,500 back our campaign to save resort’s fire crew

FELIXSTOWE: More than 1,500 residents have shown their support for the campaign against proposed cuts to the resort’s fire cover – but more people are needed to come forward.

The Evening Star’s postbag has been bulging, with 1,582 people signing up to the petition in shops, offices, online or by filling in the petition form. But with the recent launch of the council’s official consultation, it is more important than ever for the people of Felixstowe to make their voices heard.

This comes after Suffolk County Council put forward plans to cut the resort’s full-time fire crew, leaving emergencies to be dealt with by on-call firefighters or by firefighters from the Ipswich headquarters, to make the budget savings demanded by Whitehall.

But the plans have caused outcry with residents worried for their safety if the proposals go ahead.

Suffolk County Council has confirmed no decisions have yet been made and is calling for residents to take part in the consultation on the future of the fire service – called the Integrated Risk Management Plan – by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk before May 5. These views will be taken into consideration when recommendations are made to the cabinet in June.

Senior fire officers will also be on hand to answer questions at a public meeting to be held at Orwell High School on March 16 from 7.30pm

n To add your voice to the petition, sign up online at www.eveningstar.co.uk/firecrews, or visit the Felixstowe office at 172 Hamilton Road.

n What do you think of the proposed cuts to the fire service in Felixstowe? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk