Worcestershire campaigners plan march to save Bewdley Fire Station

Worcester Socialist Party campaigning against the fire cuts, photo by Worcester Socialist Party

Worcester Socialist Party campaigning against the fire cuts, photo by Worcester Socialist Party   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Mark Davies, Worcester Socialist Party

The campaign to save Bewdley Fire Station continues to build, with a march and rally planned for Saturday 28 September, starting at 10.30am.

The attack on the service in Wyre Forest, Worcestershire involves planned closure of stations in Bewdley, Stourport and Kidderminster, with the service to be centralised in a ‘hub’ in Kidderminster.

But this is not the only attack by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. There are also attacks on the level of cover, and on the terms and conditions of both existing firefighters and new recruits.

Worcester Socialist Party continues to support the campaign organised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), and any future action, including strike action, firefighters decide to take in defence of the service.

The Socialist Party demands that closed fire stations are reopened, along with the reinstatement of any axed crews. The number of firefighters on duty at night should be 40, all appliances should be staffed fully and permanently, and there should be a minimum crew of five on all appliances.

And we say councillors on the Fire and Rescue Authority must commit what funds are needed to run a safe and effective service, and commit to fight the government for these funds.

The following message was received by Worcester Socialist Party: “Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigades Union are extremely grateful for the continued support that the Socialist Party have provided through our recent disputes.

“Hereford and Worcester FBU officials and their members applaud this show of solidarity and will continue to update you with matters as they unfold.

“Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are currently engaging in meaningful discussions with brigade officials with a view of working towards suitable resolutions to the trade dispute.”