Two Leicestershire fire stations set to close to save money

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service plans to close two fire stations before 2020 to save money.

Central station in Leicester and Kibworth fire station have been earmarked for closure. The county's Chief Fire Officer says that increased provision in nearby stations will mean response times are not affected.

Kibworth station responds to around 75 calls per year from members of the public. The Chief Fire Officer says that by closing Kibworth and improving crewing at Wigston and Market Harborough money will be saved.

Richard Chandler has also warned that Leicestershire firefighters are facing a new risk of redundancy because of the savings that need to be made and the changing way that the fire service is being used by the public.

In a draft document released ahead of a public consultation on the proposed cuts the service said there is a "potential for up to 88 redundancies."

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has seen a 42% reduction in emergency calls over the last decade. In 2014, firefighters in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland rescued 194 people from road traffic accidents.

Chief Fire Officer, Richard Chandler, told ITV News: "We are now a rescue service that attends fires."

The proposals to change how Leicestershire Fire Service operates over the next five years include plans to replace nine fire engines with three new vehicles which will require fewer crew members. The tactical response vehicles will replace one fire appliance at Coalville, Melton and Billesdon stations.

Hinckley, Loughborough and Market Harborough stations will also lose one fire engine if the proposals are approved in February next year.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been forced to save £9m since 2011. Currently the service employs 405 operational firefighters and 231 retained firefighters.

The Fire Authority is expected to launch a public consultation on 25th September.