Fire Service should be able to keep service standards at current levels

11.55.02am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Jul 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has this week met local fire service chiefs, and local fire-fighters to discuss the proposed changes to fire cover in Kendal. He met Bernard Dolan, Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria County Council yesterday afternoon, and this morning met fire-fighters at Kendal Fire Station.

Speaking after his meetings, Tim said: "I fully understand and appreciate the constraints that the local fire service is operating in, but it is clear that the proposals on the table are a real cut in service for Kendal and a cut in backup for surrounding areas.

"The Government deems Kendal to be a lower risk area that other, and the local Fire Service has to meet - and not exceed - the Government's standards. Quite simply, the Government's standards are not high enough.

"The consultation is also too narrow in its outlook - there are a number of possibilities which appear to have not been considered. I am keen to work with the Fire Service, fire-fighters and local residents to keep the highest possible level of service for the people of Kendal and the surrounding area."