Banbury could lose four full-time firefighters as part of plans to improve Oxfordshire fire service
Banbury Fire Station could lose four full-time firefighters as part of plans to improve Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue's services.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue is proposing several changes that it hopes will improve its services and save money.
Among the proposals are plans to move firefighters and fire engines away from larger stations, including Banbury’s Cope Road station.
Other proposals include improving community-based prevention and protection work and reviewing how the service operates to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Rob MacDougall, the Chief Fire Officer at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Oxfordshire is growing and we need to have our firefighters in the right place at the right time to respond to emergencies effectively.”
The service is currently hosting a number of online consultations to hear from the public about the proposals.
The next online consultation takes place from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday, November 18.
According to the service, there has been a 36 per cent reduction in the number of full-time equivalent on-call firefighters over the past decade.
It said there are more staff and fire engines available during the night, when there is less demand, and limited staff and resources available during the daytime, when the demand is at its highest.
This has affected the service’s ability to respond to emergencies during the day, leading to longer response times.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “To address this, our ‘improving our fire and rescue service’ consultation proposes a reduction in the number of full-time firefighters at fire stations to enable us to reallocate these roles to day shifts at on-call fire stations in Bicester, Chipping Norton, Faringdon, Wallingford and Witney.
“Should the proposals go ahead, they would result in fire stations where both full-time and on-call firefighters are based – such as at Banbury – having 24 full-time firefighter posts rather than the 28 that they have at present.
“Our independent modelling has forecasted fire engines to arrive more quickly across Oxfordshire. For the Cherwell district itself, which includes Banbury, Deddington and Hook Norton, response times are forecasted to be quicker overall, with reduction of around one minute and 41 seconds during the day (8am–8pm).”
Cllr Mark Cherry, who represents Banbury Ruscote on the county council, said he firmly stood against any proposals to reduce the number of firefighters based at Banbury station.
He said: “I stand firmly against any proposal to cut fire services cover at Banbury Fire Station.”
“To my knowledge, the original consultation didn't mention anything regarding Banbury. I have filled out the consultation and put across the need for a fully crewed Banbury fire station, given the growing population of Banbury.”
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has objected to the plans to make cuts at Banbury station. Saying: “It would mean: slower response times, reduced safety for firefighters, and less support for residents when they need it most. This isn’t just a budget issue, it’s a safety crisis.”
Banbury's MP, Sean Woodcock, also spoke out against the plans. He said: “I am deeply concerned by these proposals to cut the number of full time firefighter roles.
“The safety of local people should be our first priority, and as the FBU have raised, cutting 4 full-time positions could have a detrimental impact on that. I urge residents across Banbury constituency to take part in the online consultation and give your thoughts on these potential changes."
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue will hold further online public consultations on Friday, November 28, Wednesday, December 3, and Friday, December 12.
For more information about the proposals or to register for one of the consultations, visit: https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ofrs-consultation