Time is running out to have your say on controversial plans to change the set up at local fire stations across Warwickshire.

The consultation on Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service's (WFRS) 'Resourcing to Risk' plan runs out on March 10, with residents being asked to share their views on getting rid of the current on-call system in favour of more fixed shifts to meet demand. 

The new system will direct resources to more wholetime firefighters in the day where the demand for services is much higher with part-time evening shifts and places on surge teams – on-call personnel brought in for anticipated or emergency peaks in demand – supplementing a better level of overall service.

Chief Fire Officer for WFRS Ben Brook said: “Currently our resource doesn’t match with activity levels.

"We have more fire appliances available at night when activity levels are lowest, and fewer fire appliances available between 8am and 10pm, which is when 89 per cent of life and property incidents occur."   

However, the plans have received wide criticism from locals who say the change would compromise safety.

Speaking at one of the public consultation events in Kenilworth earlier this year, one resident told service representatives: "To say this is not about the closure of Kenilworth Fire Station is an insult to the intelligence of everyone in this room.

"You say, 'no it's about changing working patterns', well yes it is about changing working patterns. 

"It's about going from a working pattern where firefighters work out of Kenilworth Fire Station to a working pattern where firefighters don't work out of Kenilworth Fire Station. 

"When you say there will be a surge team, that you predict would be used four times every five years, you're saying we will go from having a station which was called out 157 times last year, to a garage where fire engines are parked, and might get used once a year. 

"But that somehow doesn't count as closure."

Anyone interested in viewing the proposal and giving feedback should visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ask or, if you need a paper copy of the survey, or an alternative format or language, please call 01926 410410 or email [email protected].