News
August 29, 2025
'Neither option is good': Anger as fire service consults on controversial plans
A community campaigner is pleading with local residents not to stay silent over controversial plans for major changes to fire service cover across Greenock and Port Glasgow.
**'Neither option is good': Anger as fire service consults on controversial plans**
A wave of anger is sweeping through Greenock and Port Glasgow as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) consults on proposals that could drastically alter fire service coverage in the region. A local community campaigner is urging residents to make their voices heard, warning that the proposed changes, regardless of the option chosen, will negatively impact community safety.
The SFRS is currently considering several options aimed at optimizing resources and improving efficiency. However, details released so far have sparked considerable concern, with many residents fearing a reduction in the availability of fire crews and potentially slower response times in emergency situations. The specific details of the proposals remain somewhat unclear, fueling speculation and anxiety within the community.
“Neither option is good,” stated the community campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. “We understand the fire service is under pressure to make savings, but these proposals seem to prioritize cost-cutting over the safety and well-being of our residents. Staying silent is not an option; we need to demonstrate the strength of feeling in our community and make the SFRS understand the potential consequences of these changes.”
The campaigner is encouraging residents to participate actively in the ongoing consultation process, either by attending public meetings, submitting written feedback, or engaging with elected officials. They emphasized the importance of highlighting specific concerns, such as the potential impact on vulnerable individuals, the increased risk to remote areas, and the potential strain on existing resources.
While the SFRS has stated that the consultation is designed to gather feedback and ensure that any changes are implemented in a way that minimizes disruption and maintains a high level of service, many residents remain skeptical. They fear that the consultation is merely a formality and that the decision to reduce fire service coverage has already been made. The call to action from the community campaigner underscores the growing sense of urgency and the determination to fight for the safety and security of Greenock and Port Glasgow. The outcome of the consultation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of fire service provision in the area, making it crucial for residents to engage and ensure their voices are heard.
A wave of anger is sweeping through Greenock and Port Glasgow as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) consults on proposals that could drastically alter fire service coverage in the region. A local community campaigner is urging residents to make their voices heard, warning that the proposed changes, regardless of the option chosen, will negatively impact community safety.
The SFRS is currently considering several options aimed at optimizing resources and improving efficiency. However, details released so far have sparked considerable concern, with many residents fearing a reduction in the availability of fire crews and potentially slower response times in emergency situations. The specific details of the proposals remain somewhat unclear, fueling speculation and anxiety within the community.
“Neither option is good,” stated the community campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. “We understand the fire service is under pressure to make savings, but these proposals seem to prioritize cost-cutting over the safety and well-being of our residents. Staying silent is not an option; we need to demonstrate the strength of feeling in our community and make the SFRS understand the potential consequences of these changes.”
The campaigner is encouraging residents to participate actively in the ongoing consultation process, either by attending public meetings, submitting written feedback, or engaging with elected officials. They emphasized the importance of highlighting specific concerns, such as the potential impact on vulnerable individuals, the increased risk to remote areas, and the potential strain on existing resources.
While the SFRS has stated that the consultation is designed to gather feedback and ensure that any changes are implemented in a way that minimizes disruption and maintains a high level of service, many residents remain skeptical. They fear that the consultation is merely a formality and that the decision to reduce fire service coverage has already been made. The call to action from the community campaigner underscores the growing sense of urgency and the determination to fight for the safety and security of Greenock and Port Glasgow. The outcome of the consultation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of fire service provision in the area, making it crucial for residents to engage and ensure their voices are heard.
Category:
Politics