Leader urges call-in of fire station closure decision

Having now been formally informed of West Sussex County Council’s decision to close Keymer Fire Station as part of the Fire Service Action Plan for 2011/12, district councillors are extremely concerned about the impact of this decision on the local community.

Council leader Councillor Garry Wall has written to West Sussex County Council members this week urging them to ‘call in’ the decision.

The decision to close Keymer Fire Station and increase the capacity of Burgess Hill Fire Station was taken despite intensive campaigning to save the station and amid warnings that there would be enormous repercussions from any closure.

“Given the strength of public opinion and the real concern that this decision will not serve the best interests of the local community, we are asking West Sussex County Council to give serious consideration to this matter,” said Cllr Wall.

He pointed out: “Elected members have the power to call in any decision taken by the Cabinet, to give it further consideration, and in this instance we are urging them to do just that.

“We do not feel that the county council has produced a robust case for the closure and our members believe that there is a real lack of compelling evidence to support the decision.

“Hassocks Parish Council had carried out some excellent research into the potential impacts of the closure and it is clear that the current proposals are inadequate and require further examination.

“The decision to close Keymer Fire Station has caused a great deal of concern and distress for the local community and as a council, we strongly believe that this issue warrants further consideration by West Sussex County Council.

“Local people have clearly expressed their views on this issue and it is now time for West Sussex County Council members to speak up for the people they were elected to represent.”