Review of fire services in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead underway
A REVIEW of fire services that could result in changes to staffing levels in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead is underway in east Berkshire.
A consultation exercise, expected to last three to six months, started last week, to review the fire services from Wokingham to the London border.
Paul Southern, assistant chief fire officer for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), confirmed a team had been assembled to look at the most effective way of ensuring fire crews go to their destinations as quickly as possible.
He said: "We want to make the best provision for the fire community. Any changes - increase or decrease to fire crews - will go to public consultation."
He added: "What we don't know is what the outcome of the review is going to be.
"It might mean changing the way we provide cover. We've reviewed in the past and it has meant closure.
"If there are any decisions to change cover, we will go to public consultation."
The review could result in retained fire crews in Bracknell and Ascot being scrapped and fears have been raised this could have an impact on services in Slough and Windsor.
Paul Watts, regional treasurer of the southern region of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said: "These proposals include the closure of Bracknell and Ascot retained units and the reduction of fire cover in Slough.
"As full details and the evidence that these changes are required emerge, the FBU will evaluate the impact on public and firefighter safety and will respond to the public consultation that will be required."
At least 85 fire fighters from 18 crews across the south east were called on to battle last week's fire in Park Street,
Windsor, and Michael Rowley, FBU representative for Windsor, added: "Following the catastrophic fire in Park Street it's imperative we keep the appropriate level of cover in Slough and Windsor."
Slough lost its aerial ladder platform - ladders to reach floors in high buildings - in a review of special appliances by the RBFRS last year.
Councillor Diana Coad, one of the town's Royal Berkshire Fire Authority members, said: "We need the high level of manning because we are so close to the motorways and Slough is a complex area with the houses of multiple occupancy.
"When we have got an emergency, we need people there."