Last chance to have say on West Sussex fire merger

THERE is just over a week for residents and businesses to give their views on the proposal to merge East Sussex and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services.

The closing date for the public consultation is Thursday, October 6.

Pete Bradbury, West Sussex County Council member for public protection, said: “Because of the difficult financial situation our country finds itself in, the initial drive for exploring the possibility of a merger was the need to protect essential frontline services, fire stations and firefighters while at the same meeting tough financial targets.

“But I do stress that no decision has been yet been taken.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That means all views are still important to us because feedback from the consultation will be carefully considered before any decision is made.”

The business case and consultation document can be viewed online on the West Sussex County Council website.

Copies of the consultation document are available in libraries, help points and in reception areas of local authorities.

Residents can contact the consultation team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01243 753706.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A final business case will be presented to East Sussex Fire Authority and West Sussex County Council at their respective meetings in December.

If agreed, a merger would still be subject to Government approval and would not be able to come into effect before April 1, 2013.