Petition launched against proposed changes to Helensburgh Fire Station staffing levels
A petition has been launched against proposals to change staffing levels at Helensburgh Fire Station.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Service Delivery Review is reviewing a proposal that could see the full-time station in Helensburgh adopt a "day crewing" system, meaning crews would be based at the station only from 8am to 6pm.
Under the new model, on-call crews would then respond to emergencies during the night.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has launched an online petition to challenge the proposed changes, calling on locals to express their opinions and pushing for a re-think of the plans.
She has also expressed safety concerns due to the proximity of Faslane Naval Base and RNAD Coulport.
The Labour MSP for Dumbarton, who is also the Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour, has teamed up with local fire service staff to ensure community voices are heard.
Ms Baillie staffed a stall at Helensburgh's Market in the Square on Saturday, where she briefed residents about the potential changes and encouraged them to support her petition.
She expressed her worries, saying: "I have real concerns over these cuts and what it would mean for Helensburgh and Lomond residents should they go ahead.
"The SFRS have admitted that an increase in response times can be expected outwith core dayshift hours.
"It's unacceptable to place residents at increased risk and I'm opposed to these plans."
Currently, Helensburgh operates two fire engines, one manned by full-time firefighters and the other by an on-call team.
The station currently operates with a full-time crew of five firefighters, primed for immediate response.
They are bolstered by an on-call appliance, manned by 10 personnel equipped with pagers, ready to respond to emergencies.
The status of the second on-call appliance will remain unchanged.
Ms Baillie is also behind a leaflet campaign, encouraging community members to voice their opinions.
SFRS chiefs have arranged a public meeting to discuss the proposals, scheduled at the Victoria Halls on Tuesday, August 26, at 6pm.
In June, Area Commander Joe McKay, the Local Senior Officer for Argyll and Bute, told the Lennox: "We are currently in the midst of a service delivery review, which aims to ensure that our resources – our staff, stations and appliances – are matched to operational risk and demand across Scotland.
"We also must address urgent property issues including stations affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which includes Helensburgh Community Fire Station."
He added: "Helensburgh is one of a number of change options that have been recommended to progress to public consultation, which is launching later this month.
"Any permanent changes to our station footprint or how we deliver our services will only come after the public consultation process and a final decision has been made by the SFRS Board."
To view Ms Baillie's petition, click here.
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Plans by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would see Helensburgh's full-time facility switch to a "day crewing" model. A petition has been launched against proposals to change staffing levels at Helensburgh Fire Station. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Service Delivery Review is reviewing a proposal that could see the full-time station in Helensburgh adopt a "day crewing" system, meaning crews would be based at the station only from 8am to 6pm. Under the new model, on-call crews would then respond to emergencies during the night. Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has launched an online petition to challenge the proposed changes, calling on locals to express their opinions and pushing for a re-think of the plans. She has also expressed safety concerns due to the proximity of Faslane Naval Base and RNAD Coulport. The Labour MSP for Dumbarton, who is also the Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour, has teamed up with local fire service staff to ensure community voices are heard. Ms Baillie staffed a stall at Helensburgh's Market in the Square on Saturday, where she briefed residents about the potential changes and encouraged them to support her petition. She expressed her worries, saying: "I have real concerns over these cuts and what it would mean for Helensburgh and Lomond residents should they go ahead. "The SFRS have admitted that an increase in response times can be expected outwith core dayshift hours. "It's unacceptable to place residents at increased risk and I'm opposed to these plans." Currently, Helensburgh operates two fire engines, one manned by full-time firefighters and the other by an on-call team. The station currently operates with a full-time crew of five firefighters, primed for immediate response. They are bolstered by an on-call appliance, manned by 10 personnel equipped with pagers, ready to respond to emergencies. The status of the second on-call appliance will remain unchanged. Ms Baillie is also behind a leaflet campaign, encouraging community members to voice their opinions. SFRS chiefs have arranged a public meeting to discuss the proposals, scheduled at the Victoria Halls on Tuesday, August 26, at 6pm. In June, Area Commander Joe McKay, the Local Senior Officer for Argyll and Bute, told the Lennox: "We are currently in the midst of a service delivery review, which aims to ensure that our resources – our staff, stations and appliances – are matched to operational risk and demand across Scotland. "We also must address urgent property issues including stations affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which includes Helensburgh Community Fire Station." He added: "Helensburgh is one of a number of change options that have been recommended to progress to public consultation, which is launching later this month. "Any permanent changes to our station footprint or how we deliver our services will only come after the public consultation process and a final decision has been made by the SFRS Board." To view Ms Baillie's petition, click here.
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