Plaid Cymru - standing up for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd

Plaid Cymru MPs and Members of the Senedd representing Gwynedd have urged North Wales Fire Authority to extend a public consultation to allow local people sufficient time to have their say on plans to reform the North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, which could see the closure of 5 stations in northwest Wales.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority is currently running a public consultation on three options for the service, one of which would see the closure of two fire stations in Gwynedd, namely Llanberis and Abersoch, and the loss of 74 fulltime and retained fire fighters across northwest Wales.

Plaid Cymru MPs and Members of the Senedd representing Gwynedd have urged North Wales Fire Authority to extend a public consultation to allow local people sufficient time to have their say on plans to reform the North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, which could see the closure of 5 stations in northwest Wales.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority is currently running a public consultation on three options for the service, one of which would see the closure of two fire stations in Gwynedd, namely Llanberis and Abersoch, and the loss of 74 fulltime and retained fire fighters across northwest Wales.

Arfon MP Hywel Williams, MS Siân Gwenllian and Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts recently met with firefighters in Llanberis to discuss the potential impact of each option on the service’s ability to respond to emergency calls across Gwynedd.

The Plaid Cymru representatives have called for the safeguarding of both stations and have urged the North Wales Fire Authority to extend the public consultation beyond the initial two-month period to allow sufficient time for proper scrutiny.

In addition to the loss of 74 firefighting positions, the worst of three options on offer would also result in 2,087 fewer households receiving a response within twenty minutes. Both of the other options would increase that number.

The public consultation is open until 22nd September 2023.

Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) said:

‘I, like many others will be concerned to hear of proposals to shake up the fire service in north Wales which could lead to the closure of both Abersoch and Llanberis fire stations, and the loss of frontline staff.’ 

‘There is already collective opposition from within local communities to closing the stations, which operate in a challenging area where local knowledge and experience count.’

‘It should also be appreciated that most fire stations respond to calls which are outside their immediate locality and are often relied upon to serve as back-up when other, neighbouring stations are otherwise out on a call.’

‘If Abersoch and Llanberis stations are closed, then this not only removes a vital service from those communities, but it also means two less fire appliances available as back up should the need arise.’

‘Rural areas are already suffering disproportionally when it comes to accessing services, with ambulance response times an ongoing concern in my constituency. Additional cutbacks to the fire service will only compound matters.’

‘The rurality of Gwynedd and an increase in population during the summer months means additional pressure on our emergency services.' 

'Areas such as Pen Llŷn and Llanberis are tourist hotspots which means even more pressure on finite resources. Safeguarding the fire service’s presence in these communities is essential.’

‘I urge the public to have their say by taking part in the public consultation.'

'We need to send a clear message to the Fire Authority that these stations must be safeguarded, not only in the interest of public safety, but also to maintain and strengthen years of experience amongst our local fire crews, something which cannot be easily replaced.’     

Hywel Williams MP (Arfon) said: 

'I’m glad to have met local firefighters and Community and County councillors in Llanberis to hear directly about what these proposals could mean for the future of the station and the local service.'

'We all agreed that the station and its crew are a vital service to our community, as well contributing to meeting emergencies outside the area, promoting fire safety and recruiting and training future firefighters.'

‘Closure is not the only choice on offer. I urge people to look closely at the information available. For myself, I support option 1 or 2 which would extend the Fire Service provided in the western and more rural areas of north Wales.' 

'I share my colleagues’ concerns at the timing of the public consultation. Our Senedd is not sitting. So, there is very little time before the consultation closes for proper scrutiny and putting questions to the accountable Minister.'

'Also many families take their holiday during August, again lessening the chances of properly engaging with the consultation.'

'I urge the North Wales Fire Authority to look again at the timing and extend the consultation beyond September. This is the way to get meaningful engagement and hopefully a consensus on the best way forward.'

Siân Gwenllian MS (Arfon) said:

'I was pleased to attend a public meeting in Llanberis this week, and the number of people who came to voice their concern was a testament to local people's appreciation of having such a vital service at hand in an emergency.'

'The safety of local people must be at the forefront of any discussions, and it is clear that the proposed changes would lead to a decline in the level of service.'

'As discussions progress, I encourage local people to take part in the consultation. It is essential that the public's concerns guide the discussion on the future of the service in Llanberis.'

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) said: 

'The fact that the fire service is having to find millions of pounds of savings is another clear example of how austerity 2.0 is hurting our communities and threatening the safety of people.'

'The Tories have completely mismanaged the State's finances, and sadly Labour are not offering any better alternatives.'

'The Fire Service should be funded to maintain a level of cover that gives us confidence and should not have to be in this position.

'I urge both governments to put aside their fiscally conservative ideologies and fund the fire service properly.'