Closure could place retained jobs in danger

RICHARD CASTLE

MOIRA'S retained firefighters cannot be guaranteed new jobs if their station closes, fire chiefs have revealed.

Although full-time roles will be offered to the parttime crew members, those who cannot move to other areas may not be considered.

The blow was delivered by Leicestershire's chief firefighter Dave Webb, who spoke at a residents' meeting at the John Moore School, in Top Road, Appleby Magna, on Tuesday.

Leicestershire Fire Authority is considering closing Moira station as it claims the village is not forecast to grow as much as neighbouring areas, and can be adequately served by stations in Swadlincote and Ashby.

Mr Webb said: "As part of our plans for the region, we'll be creating more full-time employment for firefighters.

"If Moira station closes, it is inevitable that some people will lose their jobs. However, we'll be offering the retained staff there new, full-time roles.

"Those who do not want to move to other areas may suffer in this respect, but we believe our plans will benefit the region as a whole." Mr Webb said Ashby station will be able to cover the gaps left by Moira's potential closure.

He said: "Our task is now to make sure there are enough dedicated workers at Ashby to make sure it is available to respond around the clock." However, Geraint Jones, who represents Measham on Leicestershire County Council, questioned the fire chief's assertion that Ashby station can respond to incidents as quickly as Moira.

He said: "For many people, a 10-minute response time is not good enough. Historically, Moira station has done a very big job and has never had any problems recruiting retained firefighters.

"This is another attack on a rural community and we want to keep our services in our community.

"Don't forget that rural communities are just as important as the towns and cities within the fire authority's boundaries." Firefighters from Moira last week played 'a key role' in tackling a huge blaze at Dollamores, a disused textiles factory in Burton Road, Castle Gresley.