Monday 24 September
12.30hrs
On Friday morning, members of Avon Fire Authority (AFA) met with
Fire Minister, Parmjit Dhanda MP, and Peter Betts, Head of the Fire
and Resilience Directorate in Communities and Local Government
(CLG), in a bid to reach an agreement over the Government’s plans
for a Regional Control Centre in Taunton.
Friday’s discussions were prompted after AFA refused to co-operate
in establishing the company that will run the Regional Fire Control
Centre. At its bi-monthly meeting on Friday 29 June, AFA felt
the need to stand firm after learning that the projected savings of
moving to Regional Fire Control had dropped from 30% to 10%.
Councillor Terry Walker, Chair of Avon Fire Authority, said:
“Despite Mr Dhanda’s and Mr Betts’ persuasive argument, at this
stage AFA remains unconvinced that Regional Fire Control will
represent best value and provide a beneficial service to the
community as a whole.
“Despite AFA’s resolve, the meeting was a valuable chance to
discuss matters in person and strengthen new relationships with Mr
Dhanda and Mr Betts. In a bid to sway AFA’s decision Mr
Dhanda has pledged to provide further financial information over
the coming months - information he feels will provide the most
up-to-date financial implications to Avon in terms of cost and
savings of Regional Fire Control.
“Whilst the authority fully appreciates today’s opportunity, it
will not change its mind until convinced of the benefits of the
project.”