Residents unitein opposing cuts

Opponents claim the move could endanger life and property in villages such as Icklesham, Three Oaks, Pett, Pett Level, Guestling and Fairlight due to longer response times from crews having to come from Bohemia.

Around 50 residents took part in a lively debate at Icklesham Memorial Hall.

The debate was chaired by local councillor Nick Warren and attended by Rye MP Amber Rudd and Labour prospective candidate Sarah Owen.

Those attending the meeeting were unanimous in their opposition to the proposals.

Present at the meeting wasNeal Robinson, Head of Community Risk at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS), Keith Glazier - deputy leader of East Sussex County Council and Mark Brown of the Fire Brigade Union.

Nick Warren said: “A lively questions and answers session followed, where it became clear that those attending were not convinced about East Sussex Fire and rescue Services’s assertions that the service to the villages east of Hastings would not be affected significantly.

“As a result the meeting was unanimous in opposition to the proposals.

“A petition signed by a further 126 local people is being sent in to ESFRS.”

Residents attending an earlier meeting at Pett were also united in their opposition to the proposals (see page 9).