Campaigners meet Shadow Minister

The Save Our Station group are lobbying parliament against cuts to local fire services that could see the Ridge fire station downgraded, losing full time fire cover with devastating impacts to response times to the surrounding Rother villages.

Jim Heighway, local fighfighter from the Ridge said: “It was great to be part of the delegation lobbying Parliament today. We were really grateful to both the Shadow Fire Minister and Sarah for the time they took to listen and the support they have given. It was a genuine opportunity for us to put forward how serious these downgrade proposals are for fire cover, firefighters and the wider community in Hastings and the villages.”

Shadow Fire Minister, Chris Williamson said: “Having listened to the Ridge Save Our Station delegatio, I believe the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service should think again about its plans to close this fire station.

“There are alternatives available to save costs that do not entail putting lives at risk. I have agreed to write to the chief fire officer and will be raising the matter in the House of Commons.

“Unless the government reviews its reckless cuts programme I fear this proposal will be the thin end of the wedge.”

The Fire service is due to make a decision in December.