Hundreds pledge support to council's campaign to keep fire service

Following Government legislation, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne is exploring the possibility of taking over fire services in both East and West Sussex.

But West Sussex County Council has opposed proposals by launching its ‘Safer in our Hands’ campaign, arguing that WSFRS is deeply embedded into the authority’s way of working.

Louise Goldsmith, leader of WSCC, said: “I have been heartened by the support we have received so far and thank everyone who has got involved.”

She added: “We will do all we can to keep our fire and rescue service under our management where we know it delivers the very best for our communities.

“In other areas of the country merging fire services with police and crime commissioners may be the right thing to do but we know that’s not the case here.

The fire service sits at the heart of the council’s communities and public protection directorate and works across all services delivered by the authority, alongside providing an emergency response service.

For more on the campaign and to register your support visit the campaign website.

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