News OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Julie Hutchison, Ventnor. Ed
Yesterday (Wednesday) in the House of Commons there was a Statement on the recent Heatwave we have faced in the UK and the Government’s planning and response to it.
It emerged that Mutual Aid was given to Norfolk, which was an area severely impacted by wildfires, and fire crews were drafted in from as far away as Merseyside. An area that was devastated was Wild Ken Hill, which is where the BBC’s Springwatch programme is filmed.
Reform of Fire and Rescue Service
I am writing to alert readers that there is currently a Government White Paper on reforming our Fire and Rescue Service, which is open for comments until 26th July, which is next week.
The paper covers a range of topics regarding the Fire Service and the governing of it. It is worth noting that the Fire Brigade Union yesterday released a damning statement on the effects that 12 years of cuts to their service have had.
As we know, our Fire Service is now Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Impact of cuts already made
There have been numerous articles written about the condition of our fire stations and of the cuts that have been made already.
Many fire services are not being offered fair pay increases in line with inflation, and some of the questions in the paper relate to negotiating pay.
The Fire Service deserve our support
Our Fire Service deserve all the support the public can give them. In extreme heat already, and wearing heavy protective clothing, they are under considerable pressure.
Here is the link if you would like to comment on this Paper. I would certainly urge those who have witnessed the effects the cuts have had, to consider responding. Climate Change is going to put added pressures onto Fire Services in the future.
Image: © Lucy Boynton–Jones
