James Evans MS has expressed concern regarding the community engagement process over Mid Wales Fire and Rescue’s Community Risk Management Plan 2040 – which could see the introduction of a zonal based response service.
The introduction of a zonal based response service could see some fire stations closed and repurposed for specific incident types (e.g.: some stations would cover road traffic collisions only) which could significantly weaken our emergency response capabilities and increase response times.
James has received emails from concerned constituents who say community engagement sessions are not accessible for many residents, meaning they are not being given adequate opportunities to voice their concerns.
James has raised this in the Senedd and has asked the Welsh Government for a statement on how they plan to ensure communities across Brecon and Radnorshire have access to the fire service when needed.
James Evans, Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:
“I am deeply concerned about the potential changes to Mid and West Wales Fire Service which could see the introduction of Zonal based response model. This would have a detrimental impact on Mid Wales and everyone who lives there.
“The Fire and Rescue service is vital to all of my constituents and any proposals to potentially reduce the amount of services that we have is very worrying.
“I have urgently asked the Welsh Government just what they plan to do to ensure residents across Powys retain access to this much needed vital front line service whenever they need it, and ensure their voices on these proposals are heard.”
