We demand that Avon Fire and Rescue Authority withdraws the proposal by CFO Simon Shilton to cut 40 firefighter posts and reject any proposal that reduces the number of firefighters in Avon Fire and Rescue Service. And that they publicly demand central government restore the funding that has been cut since 2016.
We also ask that our elected representatives:
Put Community Safety before Government set budgets:
Commit to ensuring that our emergency services are adequately staffed to respond to life-critical incidents promptly.
Engage with the Community:
Actively seek our views and listen to our concerns regarding the proposed cuts. Make transparent and informed decisions that put community safety above other factors.
Advocate for Greater Central Government Funding:
Advocate for increased funding from central government to support Avon Fire and Rescue Service and ensure that it remains at full strength now and into the future.
Why is this important?
We, the residents of Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North and North East Somerset, are profoundly concerned about the proposed cuts to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, which include the elimination of 40 firefighter positions. Cuts that, if implemented, have the potential to severely impact the safety and well-being of our communities and place immense strain on our firefighting resources when responding to life-critical incidents.
We firmly believe that the safety of our community should be an uncompromising priority. Firefighters are our first line of defence against a range of emergencies, and their swift response is critical to saving lives and protecting our property. Reducing their numbers endangers us all.
We urgently call on all our local authorities to allocate the necessary funding to maintain a fully staffed and robust Avon Fire and Rescue Service. However, we also recognise the importance of greater central government funding. Our safety is maintained by the effectiveness of our emergency response, and we also implore MPs nationally to prioritise this essential service.
We firmly believe that a fully staffed and well-equipped Avon Fire and Rescue Service is an essential part of community infrastructure and a fundamental safeguard for us all.
