FIRE Unions have raised concerns over a plan for Cumbria Fire and Rescue governance to be taken over by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Fire Unions have voice concerns over the expansion of Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall’s responsibilities to include fire, as they believe it could possibly lead to the closure of fire stations, due to cuts to the fire and rescue service budget.

Three stations, Frizington, Arnside and Staveley, were previously threatened with closure before being saved.

Fire Brigades Union North West regional secretary, Ed Burrows said: “The people of Cumbria could end up suffering, with three fire stations closing, all because Peter McCall wants to advance his political career and get more power.

“Any plan that includes closing fire stations must be opposed – if that happens the public will be left waiting longer for fires to be put out.

“The only way the future of these three fire stations can be guaranteed is if Peter McCall steps back on his plan, and we’re calling on him to do this today.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, has responded to the concerns of the Fire Union and urges better communication between the two parties.

He said: “Presently I am in the process of developing a business case and consultation is a part of this business case, we are currently seeking the views of the public.

“I am very disappointed, having taken the time to speak personally with representatives of the FBU that they should have responded in this manner without foundation or any evidence to support the claims made.

“I’m further disappointed that the FBU representatives were not able to raise these issues when we had our meeting.

“I should add that in terms of accountability as PCC I am accountable not to a scrutiny committee (which incidentally I do not appoint, as is incorrectly stated by the FBU statement) but to every resident across the whole of Cumbria.

“I fail to see how the current system of a Cabinet member having who is elected by one council ward and appointed by a council leader can be misconstrued to be a ‘more democratic’ process.

“The FBU needs to understand that as a result of the Local Government Reorganisation, governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) must change as it currently sits with Cumbria County Council which is to be abolished as of 1 April 2023.

“The status Quo is not an option but there is an option to split governance between the two new Unitary Councils or to form a completely new Fire Authority, both of which options have been considered in the Business Case process and both of which would cost Cumbria Council Taxpayers more money.

“I am personally and frankly neutral on the issue but on the evidence of the business case it would make sense to me to bring the Blue Light Services closer together particularly in the areas of shared infrastructure and procurement which would be of benefit both operationally and financially.

“However, the important thing is that we deliver the best service for the public and that is why members of the public have the option in this consultation to give their views.

“For clarity the business case categorically does not include any details to close fire stations, nor do I have any plans to do so, indeed I wish to see greater utility made of Fire Stations across the county and wherever possible.

“I would like to see Police and Fire staff working from the same buildings, as we have in the Ulverston Blue Light Hub and in Keswick from where we now deploy Police Officers, this makes better use of the buildings, has our Blue Light Services working more closely and delivers better service to our residents in remote areas.

“To suggest that this business case proposes closures is disappointing and disingenuous.”