Firefighters hit out at 'catastrophic' changes to shifts

CREWS SAY ‘DAY-ONLY’ MODEL WILL LEAD TO LONGER RESPONSES

- NICK STATHAM

FIREFIGHTERS have hit out at potentially ‘catastrophic’ plans to switch to a ‘day-only’ model at the station closest to Stepping Hill Hospital.

Crews at Offerton Fire Station, in Stockport, say the proposals are ‘totally unacceptable’ and would result in longer response times – particularly during the morning and evening ‘rush hour’

It comes after Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) launched a consultation on a new ‘daycrewing’ system that would mean the Lisburne Lane station would only be operational between 8.30am and 6pm. Bosses say these changes – together with similar proposals for Sale – would release around £1.1million that could be reinvested in other priority areas such as prevention and more fire engines at other locations.