Fire Service's five year strategy launched

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has launched a draft five year strategy that sets out its plans for the future and would like communities to share their views about it.
“Planning for a Safer Cheshire” sets out how the service will continue to provide residents and businesses with a first class fire and rescue service despite the fact the fire authority is facing some significant cuts in its budget.
Chief Fire Officer, Paul Hancock, said: “We have already made nearly £7 million savings over the past four years but we know that the challenge over the next five years will be even harder as it becomes more difficult to maintain improvements in community safety at the same time as making the savings we need.
“However, this strategy clarifies some of the stark future choices facing the authority and outlines the approach and principles it will adopt to ensure it does not compromise on its commitment to protecting local communities, reducing risk and maintaining firefighter safety.”
Mr Hancock added that he was delighted at the continuing improvements in community safety, with figures for the last financial year showing that the number of fires in Cheshire had reached an all-time low.
In addition, the number of fire-related injuries was down to 44 from 52 the previous year, with only five classed as being severe.
The strategy proposes that the service’s frontline services should continue to be provided on its current Cheshire boundaries rather than exploring options to merge with other fire and rescue services.
For support areas of the organisation, however, it says there should be an emphasis on collaboration with Cheshire Constabulary and potentially with other organisations locally and regionally if there are opportunities to save money and improve services.
Fire Authority chairman Cllr John Joyce (pictured) added: “The future may be daunting but we have a proven track record of enthusiasm, commitment and innovation which I am sure will help to continue these improvements and focus on our overall vision of ‘a Cheshire where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies.’
“I would encourage people to share their views about our plans for the future as people’s opinions really do matter and by listening to them we can make sure we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
Consultation on the new strategy is now open. People who want to share their views should visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk where they can find a copy of the strategy, a summary document and access to a survey.
The formal consultation period will run up to March 27 with a revised strategy due to be considered at the annual general meeting of the Fire Authority on June 17.