7:50am Wednesday 10th March 2010
CAMPAIGNERS backing the fight to keep Birchwood Fire Station whole time have collected 10,000 signatures from people opposing the cuts.
Cheshire Fire Authority will make a final decision next week as to whether they will change the 24 hour station to being run part time at night with retained firefighters being called from their beds in emergencies.
Supporters of the campaign have been working tirelessly to make as many people as possible aware of the plans and will be delivering their petition to the Cheshire Fire Authority policy committee meeting at CFA in Winsford on Wednesday.
Lynne Greenhalgh, one of the lead campaigners, said: “Birchwood didn't exist 30 years ago until every single one of us came here to raise our families.
“We built this community and our protection and safety is not a privilege, it is our right bought and paid for with the highest band of council tax in the whole of Warrington.
“We have a responsibility to our children, to our families and to each other.
“This community of ours has come together to tell the Fire Authority that they must keep Birchwood Fire Station wholetime and keep Birchwood a safe place to live and work for all our sakes.”
Victims of fires who have been rescued by Birchwood crews have also spoken out against the proposals.
Jackie Williams, of Eaves Brow Road, Croft, suffered a kitchen fire five years ago.
Neighbours raised the alarm after an electrical fault started the afternoon blaze.
Nobody was hurt as the house was empty but neighbours praised the speedy arrival of fire crews.
Jackie said: “It was a horrible experience and there was smoke damage to every room in the house.
“The firefighters didn’t know if me, my husband or my two children were at home so they searched through all the rooms and I will be eternally grateful to them for putting the fire out so quickly.
“I realise if the changes are made it wouldn’t affect day time fires but our fire was due to an electrical fault which could happen day or night and in five more minutes our house could have burned down.”
Fire chiefs say the suggestion is part of a necessary plan to save £800,000 in this year's budget.
They have told residents it would not affect the quality of the service in the area and that night cover would be maintained by retained firefighters.
Anyone interested in joining the campaigners drop off the petition should contact Pauline Nelson on 817 861.
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