Locals urged to fight fire station cuts bid (From Western Telegraph)

Locals urged to fight fire station cuts bid

The battle to stop the removal of 24-hour cover from Haverfordwest Fire Station and a cutback in the number of firefighters is gathering momentum.

Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan, visiting the town on Thursday, said he was very aware of the strong feelings and views expressed by local AMs, councillors and residents.

He added that there is an exchange of views going on between Edwina Hart, minister responsible for the Fire Brigades, and the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, and that negotiations were continuing.

The authority's plans came under a hail of criticism from Haverfordwest Town Council last month.

The council accused the authority of playing with people's lives and the mayor, Councillor Barbara Shone, called for the resignation of the authority's chairman and local representatives. Describing the moves as 'intransigent and short-sighted', she launched a petition opposing the proposals.

"The response has been excellent and it shows that people are expressing how they feel about this," said Cllr Shone. "But I would urge anyone who has not signed the petition, and who sees it in and around shops and premises in Haverfordwest, to do so."