Public asked for views on changes to fire service

Surrey's fire chief said changes were needed as the service faced different demands

Members of the public are being asked for their views on a proposed reorganisation of Surrey Fire and Rescue.

The service said the changes, including relocating some stations, were necessary because of the changing nature of call outs, such as fewer house fires but more road accidents, floods and grass fires.

It would also mean working more closely with health providers to protect the most vulnerable.

The public consultation into the community risk management plan will run until 6 September.

The plan would see Banstead's engine and crew moved to Godstone, a proposal which was criticised by the Fire Brigades Union in January.

Surrey's chief fire officer Dan Quin said the original plan to relocate to Whyteleafe could not be achieved because a suitable building could not be found.

One crew would move from Camberley to either Spelthorne or Elmbridge, with resources also reviewed at Haslemere.

Engines at Chobham, Dunsfold, Gomshall, Guildford and Lingfield, which are staffed by on-call volunteers during the day at weekends, would only be available during the evenings, with cover provided by Guildford's full time crew.

More resources would be targeted at the summer wildfire season.

Banstead fire station would face closure under the proposals

Mr Quin also said: "We want to expand on how we work with partners to maximise prevention and protection activity - whether that be responding to non-emergency calls such as falls, supporting medical emergencies, or supporting with a hospital discharge processes."

The public can provide views on the proposals - which would be put into place between 2025 and 2030 - on the Surrey Fire and Rescue website.

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