Your EDP today launches one of its most important campaigns – to stop the axe falling on up to 11 of Norfolk's fire stations.
In one of Britain's largest counties – where firefighters protect an area the size of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside combined – we are saying Norfolk's network of 42 stations should be preserved to save lives.
We believe proposals which could see the closure of stations at big towns, including Watton and Sheringham, should be fought at every turn. While Norfolk County Council has to look at all its spending as it looks to cut millions from its budget, the EDP believes the 11-station closure option, detailed by us today, must be resisted.
We have listened to the arguments and understand the financial pressures at play. But further cuts will inevitably put people's lives at risk if even one of these 11 were to be shut. The closures would punch holes in the Norfolk network of stations, meaning remaining crews travelling further, on difficult country roads, in fire or accident situations. We do not underestimate the scale of the task facing Norfolk County Council – and further efficiencies will need to be made in one of the best-run and most cost-effective brigades in the country.
But the loss of fire stations is a step too far, and that's why the EDP's SOS – Save Our Stations starts today. Join our fight.
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