The campaign to save Windsor Fire Station was dealt a blow recently when it was decided that it would close at night.  It seems that the intention is that our night time needs will be covered from Slough. 

Whilst the Fire Services anticipate that the new cover will keep response times within the national best practice target, this is little comfort to those whose response times may well increase.  We all know that in an emergency such as a fire, every second counts.  The campaign was successful in retaining Windsor Fire station, but it is disappointing that 24 hour cover will no longer be available from Windsor. 

However the fight is not over yet!  This week, the local council have formed an action plan to try to save our station.  As well as taking legal advice, the plan proposes writing to the Queen and scrutinising the process which resulted in the decision to provide night cover from Slough.  We all remember the terrible fire at Windsor Castle in 1992, and last week’s tragic fire at a hotel in Newquay serves as a timely reminder of how much we rely on our emergency services.

The new response times will be the same as those in Newquay where the fire resulted in deaths, so I am deeply concerned that the new arrangements will not put residents and properties at risk.

I want to thank the Express newspaper, councillors and residents for joining with me to defend Windsor residents so vigorously, and I will continue to work those involved to ensure that the new plan of action will be a success.