Time running out to keep two fire engines in East Preston

A public consultation period on plans to remove a truck from the village’s station, which is run by retained firefighters, will end on October 8.

At a meeting of East Preston Parish Council last month, residents urged neighbours to fight the proposals, which would also see Littlehampton’s retained station, upgraded to a full-time facility.

Peter Vincent asked all members of the public at the meeting to look in detail at the plans, and suggested they be “rejected in the strongest possible terms”.

Peter Evans, county council cabinet member for public protection, said: “The draft improvement plan drawn up by our fire and rescue service is designed to make it even more effective in the long term.

“No decisions have been made yet and we want to hear from as many people as possible.

“So if you haven’t yet given us your views on the draft, please make sure you don’t miss the deadline.”

The plans can be seen at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire The petition, which has been established by residents, can be signed at the East Preston Parish Council offices, in the car park of the village hall.