Following reports in the media today (18th February 2014) about Cheadle Fire Station closing for the day, Cllr Walter Brett, representative for Stockport on the Greater Manchester Fire Authority, commented:
“After learning of the issue at Cheadle Fire Station, I immediately contacted the Borough Commander to understand why the decision had been taken. Clearly, today’s news will have unsettled some residents and I am pleased that the Fire Service has reassured people that there is sufficient resources to provide fire cover at all times.
“However, for certain local politicians to start blaming the Fire Service for not managing staff correctly is a bit rich.
“There are fewer fire fighters precisely because of the decisions of the Government. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is having its funding cut by £37m between 2010 and 2017, and that has meant that there are 424 fewer fire fighters in Greater Manchester.
“It would be helpful if all our local MPs stood up to the Government and demanded a fair funding settlement for our Fire Service.”