Bognor Regis fire commander lobbies MP

Jasper Richmond, of the West Meads-based fire crew, took part in a mass appeal from senior emergency service figures from within the service concerned at staffing cuts.

The Blue Watch commander raised the issue of there being a 3.4 per cent reduction in full-time firefighters, while the corporate and top management staff levels increased by 40.7 per cent, between April 2007 and April 2008. He and other members of the group also lobbied to protect services such as fire prevention and youth initiative schemes such as the fire cadets.

Responding to the concerns from crews at the Bognor station, Mr Gibb agreed they provided a vital service which should not be compromised.

He said: "It is very important in these financially-difficult times that the fire brigade maintain their full complement of firefighters and that front-line services are properly funded. We are lucky in Bognor Regis to have a highly-professional unit serving our town and the surrounding area. It is vital that the unit has the resources it needs to maintain that level of competence and professionalism in the years ahead."

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