Two Sussex MPs have united, across party divides, to oppose proposed changes to how East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service operates.
Ideas undergoing public consultation could result in job losses — though firefighters' bosses say the focus is on reducing risk to life.
The consultation process, which began on April 24, drew criticism from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) which accused ESFRS of attempting to “sneak through cuts while the public focuses on the pandemic" - but this was disputed by the fire service.
Lewes's Conservative MP Maria Caulfield, and Brighton Kemptown Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle both say they're "particularly concerned" about any cuts.
In a joint letter, signed by both, they said:
"After discussions with the Chief Fire Officer, local firefighters and residents, we have concluded that it is not the right time to proceed with such a major restructure of the local service.
"We are not satisfied with the urgency of this review, and believe that, while firefighters have taken on the extra duties during the Covid crisis that it is unfair to them, as key workers, to be having these structure changes forced on them.
"We are also particularly concerned about the cuts and loss in service by 50% capacity in Lewes and Newhaven, which help support the east of Brighton, with regards to the move from full-time to 'retained' firefighting at the weekends. We are also concerned that the figures for demand are based on historic cases which have since been superseded by more recent, higher, callout figures which are not being taken into consideration."
The consultation itself is set to run until June 19, with the East Sussex Fire Authority set to make a decision on the proposals sometime in September.
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