Lincs firefighters fight cuts

LINCOLNSHIRE FBU has been campaigning recently against proposed cuts in local services. They have taken to the streets to protest at the way the cuts are being brought in through the back door following alleged consultation by the Tory county council. Socialist Party members have been visiting the FBU stalls to lend support.

Marc Glasscoe

The fire authority is proposing to reduce the number of front-line firefighters by 30% from 40 to 28. Under the usual banner of 'efficiency' and 'restructuring' the authority is planning on cutting back the number of firefighters on a watch from 10 to 7. Of course, if training, sickness or leave are taken into consideration this could leave as few as four trained firefighters on a watch.

Yet the population of Lincoln and the surrounding area is growing faster than ever. Craig Tuck, Lincolnshire FBU secretary, told us: "We are deeply concerned about the reduction in the capability of firefighters when arriving at the scene of an emergency. It could mean not being able to put ladders up or making critical decisions on whether to enter a building."

The response from the public to the FBU's campaign has been phenomenal. This is despite sensationalist headlines in the local press and accusations of lying from the fire authority. People can clearly see that the mounting cuts in public services will have a disastrous effect on their lives.

These cuts will mean fewer front -line firefighters, delays in turnout times and an increase in dependence on surrounding stations.

Talks were due to begin with management on 7 August.

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In The Socialist 10 August 2006:

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Israel out of Lebanon now!