THREE Anglesey councillors have raised their concerns over proposals which could see the closure of a number of North Wales fire stations including Beaumaris.
They say, loss of the island station could not only put pressure on existing mainland fire services, but also don’t take into consideration the recent issues over crossing the Menai Strait.
Councillors for the Seiriol ward Cllr Carwyn Jones, Cllr Gary Pritchard, Cllr Alun Roberts, say if the Beaumaris station was closed it could mean 999 calls for the Seiriol area and the east of Anglesey taking longer.
It would also create “added pressure” on existing fire services on the main land at Bangor and doesn’t consider the recent issues over the crossing from the mainland to Ynys Môn.
Their comments come after recent announcements that fire chiefs want to reorganise the service.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service had made several proposals to cut firefighters and engines at a fire authority meeting recently.
One proposal moots the closure of Beaumaris, as well as Abersoch, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy and Llanberis fire stations – meaning a total loss of 74 firefighters including 36 and 38 on-call.
The Fire Brigade Union slammed the idea saying close stations and cutting firefighter roles could “put the public at risk.”
FBU Executive Council member for Wales Cerith Griffiths said firefighters were already stretched “close to breaking point.”
In a joint statement Seiriol ward councillors, Cllr Carwyn Jones, Cllr Gary Pritchard, Cllr Alun Roberts said:
“As Plaid Cymru Councillors for the Seiriol Ward we are concerned to read that closing Beaumaris Fire Station is one if the options being considered by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service when restructuring the service.
“As part of a consultation, the Service is considering one option which would close staions at Abersoch, Beaumaris, Llanberis, Conwy and Cerrigydrudion.
“Closing Beaumaris would mean longer response times to calls in Seiriol and the east of Anglesey.
“It would mean added pressure on the provision from Bangor Fire Station and the problems involved with crossing from the mainland to Ynys Môn.
“We will be calling on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to look at different options which would see Beaumaris Fire Station remaining operational.”
A public consultation to collect the opinions of people that the fire brigade serve opens on Friday, July 21 and closes at midnight on September 22.
The councillors are asking for people to get involved and share their views.
They added: “We would urge all members of the public to respond to the public consultation when it opens on Friday.
To find out more on how to share your views go to the website northwalesfire.gov.uk
Just recently, the Isle of Anglesey County Council Executive had unanimously backed calls for a third Menai crossing.
During the debate, Anglesey Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams had said “robust links with the mainland were crucial” so that residents could live their day to day lives and “gain access to work, education.”
