The Fire Brigades Union has welcomed the announcement by the government to restructure the current 8 fire and rescue services into a single structure.

Scottish Secretary, John Duffy said: "We look forward to shaping a new service - one that builds on the commitment and sacrifice of previous generations, where we can remove the barriers to progress and where we can deliver a comprehensive, highly skilled and highly motivated rescue service that will protect the communities of Scotland for years to come."

John Duffy added: "We welcome the government's vision of a service focused on the frontline. The task now is to create a service that can deliver national goals with local outcomes. The restructure should not be about logos, branding or corporate identities but about keeping local fire crews on local fire engines, in local fire stations."

FBU Executive Council member for Scotland, Roddy Robertson added: "The service must rise to the challenge. The FBU is ready, willing and able to make a positive contribution to the process. We look forward to working in partnership with government, local authorities and those with the best interests of the service at heart to ensure that this restructure delivers the goals improving our service and enhancing the protection for our communities."

 

Posted September 13th, 2011 at 1105 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com