Articles and Speeches

New Fire Station Threat
27-Oct-06, Windsor Express Article.

After a robust campaign, initiated by the Windsor Express, several months ago, it seems that Windsor’s fire station may be under threat once again.

It is remarkable that the MP, councillors, residents and the Fire Authority were united in their support for our fire station. In July the Fire Authority therefore asked fire chiefs to come up with alternative proposals.

So you can imagine the surprise when an advert appeared in the local papers last week, seeking part-time fire fighters to be retained in Windsor, which would seem to indicate a significant downgrading of our local service!

There is no doubt that our Windsor fire officers do an excellent job under difficult circumstances. They are not only committed to protecting public safety, but manage to find the time to assist in the local community by working with young people. The recent disturbances in Dedworth were accompanied by a petrol bomb which highlights the importance of a fully functional local fire service for Windsor

Judging from my post bag and from the views I have heard on the doorstep, residents are rightly worried about any threat to their fire service. With emergencies such as fires, every second counts, and I will continue working with local councillors and members of the Fire Authority to ensure that we retain a fully functional fire service in Windsor.