A MEETING for Devon and Somerset Fire Authority members to consider options to change the way the Service operates has been moved to the new year. 

The meeting, to consider the results of the consultation process carried out over the summer, was scheduled for December 18.

Following a unanimous decision by members on Friday, December 8, the date of the new meeting will be January 10.

Members of staff and trade union representatives had raised concerns about the impact the decision may have on staff if made just before Christmas.

In addition, a General Election has been called since the date for the Fire Authority meeting was set. The Service would not have chosen a date for the meeting in such close proximity to an election. It is important that members are available to give full consideration to the results of the consultation prior to making any decision.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue consulted during the summer on proposals to modernise the service. The proposals include station closures, reducing the number of fire appliances and changing crewing arrangements. The Service says these changes would enable it to reinvest in prevention and protection work to reduce the risk of incidents occurring.

In Crediton the proposal includes plans to reduce the two fire appliances to just one.

During the 12-week consultation, the Service received about 3,300 completed surveys, 700 written submissions, and five petitions.

The agenda for the January 10 meeting will be published on January 2.