Council calls for re-think of proposals to cut fire services in Fife

Fife Council has called on the Scottish Fire and Rescue service to re-think proposals to cut services in Fife.

Calling the plans "outrageous" Council Leader David Ross tabled an emergency motion for discussion at today's (Thursday) meeting of the council's Cabinet Committee where councillors expressed serious concerns about the proposals.

He commented: "The proposals to withdraw appliances from Methil, Glenrothes, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy are seriously concerning and we are asking the Scottish Fire and Rescue service to withdraw these plans immediately in the interests of public safety. Budget cuts cannot be made at the expense of the safety of people and buildings.

"We are all too aware of the devastating impacts that fires can have on the lives and businesses of Fifers, having recently suffered the consequences of a number of serious fires across the Kingdom. The proposed withdrawal of the height appliance in Kirkcaldy is particularly concerning for the local hospital and Ravenscraig flats.

"We all rely heavily on the vital services the fire service provides - not just fighting fires - but responding to all the emergencies that they deal with every day.

"We are seeking an urgent meeting with the Scottish Fire and Rescue service, urging them to listen to the concerns we're raising today and take immediate action to withdraw these proposals.

"We've also decided to refer this matter to our People and Communities Scrutiny Committee for their urgent consideration on June 7.  That Committee will invite the Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to attend the meeting and allow councillors to examine the proposals."