MSP to raise concerns over the future of community stations

A north-east MSP is to meet one of Scotland’s most senior firefighters to discuss concerns over the future of community fire stations.

Liberal Democrat Mike Rumble intends to question deputy chief officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Iain Bushell, early next month.

Mr Rumbles said he would seek assurances on the fate of Dundee’s four stations: Macalpine Road, Blackness Road, Kingsway East and Balmossie, which serves Broughty Ferry and Monifieth.

Concerns have been raised by local councillors after SFRS area manager Colin Grieve admitted he “can’t give assurances” on the future of Balmossie.

Mr Rumbles said: “I welcome this opportunity to speak to the deputy chief officer in person.

“He has reassured me that no decisions have yet been made and that none will be until the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have conducted a full and meaningful public consultation.

“He has warned me, however, that a new model is being discussed for the city.

“There is always room for improvement but the fire service in Dundee has been working well.

“It is disturbing that financial pressure and Scottish Government centralisation could now force a reduction of the whole-time service in the city. I have yet to receive a response from the minister on this matter but I have made my concerns very clear.”

Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan said: “What matters now is for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Government to give a full commitment to local people that there will be no reduction in the service for Dundee.

“So far, we have had neither reassurances nor clarity from either the officers or the ministers responsible.

“The station in my own ward at Balmossie has a long history and decades of service in the community and across the city.

“That this is under threat, not for the first time, is totally unacceptable.”