by Democrat reporter
MSP Jackie Baillie has blasted “cynical” moves to delay a decision on the future of Helensburgh’s fire crews.
Scottish Fire and Rescue bosses have announced that a final decision on whether to switch to a Day Crewing model has been delayed for a second time.
The SFRS announced last year that it was considering switching to an on-call only format for night crews as part of the Service Delivery Review.
A public consultation on the controversial plans took place, with a decision expected in December.
But fire chiefs delayed the outcome until the New Year.
It was announced recently that the decision has been delayed again until June – after Scottish voters go to the polls in May.
Jackie Baillie, who is Helensburgh’s MSP, had mounted a campaign against the planned changes, which she branded both “dangerous” and “reckless”.
She said: “This is a cynical plot to delay this tough decision beyond the Scottish elections in May.
“I am on record as opposing these dangerous cuts and am clear that these changes will increase response times and put our communities at greater risk.
“The SNP Scottish Government needs to better fund our public organisations to avoid service cuts which risk the safety of our community but it has a poor record of taking the decisions which are best for local people.
“I would take this opportunity to once again remind both the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Government of the strength of opposition to the cuts planned in the Service Delivery Review, in our local community.”
The politician, also Scottish Labour’s Deputy Leader, ran an online petition gathering signatures against the move, as well as setting up a stall at Helensburgh’s popular market.
She also backed the Fire Brigades Union’s letter to the Scottish Government, calling for the changes to be shelved, which gained the backing of cross-party MSPs.
Budget cuts and sustained under-investment by the SNP Government have been blamed for the cuts, which would see Helensburgh Fire Station switch to on-call only between 6pm and 8am.
Crews are currently based at the South King Street station on a 24 hour basis.