Under Fire - Stark Choices

6.09.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Sep 2007

Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats were concerned to hear that lack of funding meant that the Fire Service, already hit by cuts, is being forced to choose between stark options.

Councillors have heard Fire Officers admit that they were asking for £160,000 to underwrite youth projects so that they could beg for money from other sources for the Life Project. These projects could help over 140 youths from across the county break away from anti-social behaviour and arson.

But when questioned the Chief Fire Officer admitted that the money could be better used helping the most vulnerable in the community to get Home Fire Safety Checks which are also due to suffer a funding dip in 2008/09 until new opportunities come on stream.

Cllr Allan Witherick said

'The short term attitude being taken by the Tory County Council is seeing Fire Stations sold off and the money used to help prop up the Tory Administration left right and centre. Even the Tory cabinet member admitted that Library service was really a property development company and that the Fire Service was going the same way.

'Projects like Life, which work with trouble causing youths, are forced to go begging around partners who are also strapped for cash if they want to continue.

'Meanwhile other projects like Home Safety Fire Checks face an uncertain future with no funding past March 2008 despite the possibility of continuing in April 2009.

'Is it any surprise that the service shows an increase in sickness by staff and a high level of ill health retirements despite efforts to lower them?'