Council welcome for 'compromise' 24/7 local fire engine in Windsor

Windsor residents look set to keep round-the-clock fire cover, thanks to a proposal to introduce a local fire engine (LFE) that will provide a first response to call outs.

Agreed by the council and the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, the proposal will go out for public consultation and the LFE could be in operation early next year. It follows the council's five-year battle to prevent the closure of Windsor fire station at night and has been described by Council Leader Cllr David Burbage as 'a compromise solution which gives residents the 24/7 fire cover they deserve'.

Cllr Burbage, one of the council's four members of the fire authority, added: "The council has fought tirelessly over the past five years to retain night-time cover in Windsor. We never gave up hope of finding a way forward and refused to believe that there was no solution.

"We have now had positive negotiations with the fire authority and secured 24-hour cover from a local base. This is a significant move towards meeting the aspirations of the council and our community."

The LFE will be smaller than a conventional fire appliance and crewed by fewer firefighters but will be well equipped to carry out initial fire and rescue operations. It will be based in the first instance at Windsor fire station but will move as soon as possible to premises provided by the Council.

Cllr Burbage said: "The council is now looking at options for a suitable and convenient base and we will be making an announcement as soon as possible."

The council's other three members of the fire authority also welcomed the proposal.

Cllr Phill Bicknell said: "I am delighted we have been able to find a workable solution to an issue that has caused great anxiety throughout our community and seen residents from all walks of life and all political persuasions uniting against the cut to fire cover."

Cllr Christine Bateson said: "This is positive result for residents who joined with the council to oppose the reduction in fire cover. I am pleased that we have at last achieved a solution that, while a compromise, is satisfactory to all sides"

Cllr John Lenton said: "Commonsense has prevailed and we have a solution that both responds to the voice of local people in Windsor and aligns with the strategic objectives of the fire authority."

If the LFE proposal is backed by the local community it will be introduced by 1 April 2012 at the latest and reviewed a year later to gauge its success.

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