Stop service cuts at Offerton Fire Station

Liberal Democrats Lisa Smart and Will Dawson have launched a campaign against cuts to night cover at Offerton fire station.

The Labour-run Greater Manchester-wide combined authority is planning to remove full time firefighters from Offerton fire station overnight. Local residents would either have to wait for ‘on call’ firefighters, or for a fire engine from elsewhere in an emergency.

Parliamentary candidate Lisa Smart said: “I’m really concerned for local residents. Every minute counts in a fire or road traffic accident.

“This is a gamble on no serious incidents happening when teams are responding elsewhere.”

Offerton councillor Will Dawson added: “Yet again Labour are taking our area for granted with these callous cuts to our local fire service.”

The cuts will primarily affect people in Offerton, Bredbury Green and Romiley, Norbury and Woodsmoor, and Hazel Grove. The service has previously been cut in Marple, who are already reliant on the ‘on-call’ service or firefighters from Offerton.

Councillor Steve Gribbon, a former watch manager and officer in charge at Offerton fire station, explained: “To take the station to day crewing would create a unnecessary risk for many residents and businesses.

“These residents will still be expected to pay for the emergency services cover as normal, there will be no reduction in council tax. There will be a reduction in cover which could cost lives. The vast majority of residents want the best fire cover possible. GMFRS have a variety of local projects which could easily be reduced and the savings would keep Offerton a wholetime 24/7 station.”