New fire plans could lead to cuts across Mid Wales, politicians warn as they urge people to attend drop-in sessions
New fire plans could see services and equipment cut and response times increase politicians warn as they urge residents to attend community drop-in sessions this week.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has launched a number of drop-in sessions to gather input from residents and stakeholders about the Community Risk Management Plan 2040.
The plan outlines their commitment to addressing the risks, threats and challenges faced by communities and the fire service says community views are important in shaping the plan.
Drop-in sessions will take place at Y Plas in Machynlleth on Tuesday, February 18 from 12 noon to 4pm, at Brecon College on Wednesday, February 19 from 10am until 2pm, at Crickhowell Fire Station on Wednesday, February 19 from 3pm until 6pm, at Whitton Hall, Knighton on Thursday, February 20 from 10am until 2pm and at Builth Wells Fire Station on Thursday, February 20 from 3pm until 7pm.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: "These drop-in-sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.
“CRMP 2040 emphasises a data-driven approach to identifying risks and tailoring our services accordingly. By focusing on prevention, protection, and response functions, we aim to reduce the impact of emergencies and enhance public safety.
“Your input is invaluable in helping us create a safer and more resilient Mid and West Wales.”
But local politicians fear the plan could lead to a cut in services and equipment at smaller stations, increased response times and weaken the emergency services.
Liberal Democrat Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick said: “I am nervous that the upcoming changes by Mid and West Wales Fire Service could be used as an excuse to mothball fire stations or reduce the services or equipment available at smaller stations like Crickhowell, Knighton, Talgarth and Hay-on-Wye.
“I urge residents to take part in the upcoming consultations.
“I will continue to press both the service and the Welsh Government who fund them to ensure that vital life-saving provisions are not cut in our communities.”
Brecon and Radnor Senedd Member James Evans also expressed concern about the introduction of a zonal based response service.
It could see some fire stations closed and repurposed for specific incident types, for example, some stations would cover road traffic collisions only, which could significantly weaken 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.
He 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 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.”
For more information on the plan or any of our upcoming drop-in sessions, visit www.mawwfire.gov.uk, or contact the team at crmp@mawwfire.gov.uk
