Have Your Say On Berkshire Fire Plans

3 January 2012, 05:00

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service could move their headquarters from Dee Road in Tilehurst to either Calcot or Theale under plans being looked at for 2012/13.

That, along with plans to join Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and have one emergency control centre, are two of the things they want people to have their say on in a consultation.

The fire authority also outlines in their plan for next year how they will reduce the number of fires, loss of life in fires and accidents and provide value for money.

The six proposals being looked at are moving their HQ in Reading, whether a water rescue unit is needed during flooding, specialist vehicles to help firefighters at emergencies, another aerial ladder platform and a joint control room. They are also looking into 24-hour emergency cover in Windsor.

Although Berkshire has only recently agreed to collaborate on plans for the control centre, they are being looked at again after Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes pulled out.

Chief fire Officer Iain Cox said; 

"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service is committed to providing the people of Berkshire with the very best service possible.

"We believe that the proposals outlined in the Action Plan for 2012/13 will help us achieve that but we understand that, as with any proposals for change, there may be some people who have a different view.

"This consultation is a chance for local people to have their say on the future of their fire and rescue service."

Berkshire's fire authority is running the consultation until 3 January 2012.