WHILE THE CANVEY ISLAND INDEPENDENT PARTY try their best to turn residents’ concerns (about Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, proposing to replace Canvey Island’s full-time fire-fighters with retained staff) into another political protest, islanders are in imminent danger of losing touch with reality.
As already pointed-out on this Blog, the matter concerns an operational decision by Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (ECFRS) – and it is that organisation that will, in consultation with residents, have the final say. But, rather than throw their weight behind our local MP, Rebecca Harris, in her attempts to raise resident concerns with the Chief Fire Officer, the CIIP (and apparently also the resident’s protest group) have been directing their attention at petitioning Essex County Council.
Such petitions are a waste of time. If anyone is to be petitioned over the proposals it is Essex County Fire & Rescue Service – before that organisation takes its final decision on February 9th.
The situation was made clear following a question put by Rebecca Harris to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to whom she asked:-
‘If he will assess the effectiveness of the planned reconfiguration of fire services on Canvey Island.’
This was Bob Neill’s reply:-
‘Operational decisions are taken by individual fire and rescue authorities as part of the integrated risk management planning process.
‘The Government are committed to enabling local authorities and local communities to make appropriate decisions at the local level. Fire and rescue authorities are required by the fire and rescue service national framework to have in place and maintain an integrated risk management plan which reflects local need and sets out plans to tackle effectively both existing and potential risks to communities. Each fire and rescue authority's plan enables that individual authority to decide how best to provide fire and rescue services, including prevention and protection as well as response, with resources being allocated on the basis of their evaluation of risk and where the risks are greatest. It is a requirement that the plan is subject to a full consultation with the local community before it is agreed and published, and if it is substantially revised.
‘Local requirements are thus determined by local people according to local circumstances.
‘For those reasons, it would be inappropriate for central Government to make an assessment of any changes to fire and rescue services on Canvey Island.’
Residents wishing to oppose the cuts are reminded that Essex County Fire & Rescue Service will be providing full details of their proposals at the public meeting to take place at midday Saturday and at which the authority will be pleased to hear the case put forward by concerned residents.
This is not a time for slogan shouting and banner waving to keep Echo photographers amused; but a time for serious considerations and alternative suggestions to be put by councillors on behalf of voters.
This will be the only opportunity residents have of making their views known and it is important that the discussions are undertaken with dignity.
This will not be the only issue facing islanders this year as local government institutions seek to implement the government’s wide ranging financial cuts. And the only way those cuts will be assuaged is through intelligent debate and discussion.
It remains to be seen if our local councillors have the necessary skills to ensure that islanders are not unduly disadvantaged in that process; or if, as the record shows, they simply choose to ignore their responsibilities and walk out.
Ecfrs-irmp Supp 2010 Final… (Echo, 29/01/2011) – Campaign against fire cuts gains momentum
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