Inverclyde public sends clear message to fire chiefs over cost-saving plans

Almost three-quarters of Inverclyde respondents rejected both options in a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service consultation, and the SFRS has delayed a final decision until June.

Members of the Inverclyde public have largely rejected proposed changes to local fire service cover, according to a Freedom of Information response. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service ran a 12-week consultation last year setting out two options for Greenock and Port Glasgow. Both proposals would replace Greenock’s combined aerial rescue pump with a dedicated high reach appliance, and the second option would also change crewing at Port Glasgow and Greenock. Local campaigners and elected representatives say the consultation outcome sends a clear message to SFRS leadership. Key points: - There were 364 responses from people living in Inverclyde to the consultation; 271 said they backed "neither option", 49 supported option one, and 44 supported option two. - Both proposals would replace the combined aerial rescue pump (CARP) at Greenock with a dedicated high reach appliance; SFRS estimates option one would save £426,000 a year. - Option two would additionally move the first appliance at Port Glasgow to a day crewing model and change crewing arrangements for Greenock’s third appliance. - The SFRS said it received about 3,700 responses across Scotland, meaning nearly one in ten responses came from Inverclyde. - A final decision has been delayed twice; the SFRS announced it will not make an announcement until June and said additional governance work and pre-election timing influenced the delay. Summary: Campaigners and councillors described the consultation results as a clear expression of local opposition and raised concerns about possible longer response times if cover were reduced. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says it needs more time to complete internal governance work. The service has postponed a decision until June, when it expects to announce its conclusions.