Public consultation now closed on proposed changes at more than 30 fire stations
More than 3,500 survey responses have been received by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service following a 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to more than 30 fire stations across Scotland.
The consultation process, which has now closed, involved 23 options for change covering the potential closure of eight long-term dormant fire stations, as well as Balmossie, Marionville, Musselburgh, Yorkhill and Cowcaddens.
The options also included the implementation of a day shift duty system in targeted areas and the transfer of resources to better align to operational risk and demand.
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “The response to our public consultation represents a significant level of engagement, reflecting the importance of the issues that are being considered.
“The primary aim of the Service Delivery Review is to ensure our resources – staff, stations and appliances – are matched to operational risk and demand across Scotland, while also addressing urgent property issues.
“We have been clear that want to build a more sustainable fire and rescue service fit for Scotland’s future. That means making changes to how we operate.
“As part of this process, we have held 40 public meetings in communities where the changes have been proposed.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views.”
The next steps of the Service Delivery Review include a full independent analysis of all responses received and preparation of a consultation report summarising the findings.
Recommendations will be presented to the SFRS Board in December.
Chief Officer Stevens continued: “Clearly, we recognise that some of our proposals represent a significant level of change and I must emphasise again that no decisions have been made yet.
“We will now look closely at the views that have been shared with us by all stakeholders and this work will be overseen by an independent external research organisation.
“We continue to work closely with consultation experts, who have been guiding us throughout this process in line with best industry practice.”