Andrew Western MP for Stretford and Urmston
The proposal to change fire response cover in Partington and Carrington has been scrapped and local MP Andrew Western has welcomed the news.
The public was recently asked for its thoughts on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: Fire Cover Review 2023. At the time, Andrew Western, the MP for Stretford and Urmston, expressed his concern about the proposal, as he was worried that the changes would put residents in Partington and Carrington at risk. He encouraged local people to respond to the consultation and to attend a public meeting to express their concerns.
Following the consultation, the decision has been made to keep the current fire cover in place.
Andrew Western said: “Proposals to change the fire response cover in Trafford have been scrapped. I welcome this news, as I had serious concerns about the proposals (that were outlined in the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: Fire Cover Review 2023). I was particularly worried about the impact the changes would have had on Partington and Carrington.
Following the announcement, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I want to thank everyone who took part in the extensive consultation and engagement exercise. My priority has always been to keep residents of Greater Manchester safe, and it is right that we regularly review GMFRS fire cover and appliances to make sure they meet risk, demand and population changes, and ensure we continue to have a strong and resilient service.”
Dave Russel, GMFRS Chief Fire Officer, said: “I would also like to thank the public and colleagues in GMFRS for taking the time to tell us what they thought about our proposals. I made it clear from the outset when I took on the role as Chief Fire Officer that I want to be open and transparent and truly listen to people’s views to help me lead a service everyone can be proud of. I believe that the outcomes of the Fire Cover Review demonstrate that we are stronger for combining professional judgement with the lived experience of our residents and frontline staff.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Police, Crime, Fire and Criminal Justice, added: “Residents in Greater Manchester are going to be seeing an enhanced service from GMFRS as a direct result of our Fire Cover Review, from new engines and equipment to prioritising preventing incidents from occurring in the first place. What this process has shown is that by working together with our residents we can keep them safe and our service strong.”