'Save your fire station' appeal; People urged to register feelings over closure threat.

Byline: Michael Corley

FIREFIGHTERS are urging people to help them avert the axing of their Warwickshire station.

Fears are growing that Kenilworth's fire base will be one of seven in the south of the county to be shut, which could lead to the loss of up to 100 jobs.

The Telegraph revealed last month that Warwick, Wellesbourne and Shipston, could also go following a secret meeting of councillors.

The Fire Brigades Union has refused to rule out strike action because they believe widespread cuts would leave rural communities at risk.

Ahead of a public consultation in the autumn, firefight-ers in Kenilworth want the people they serve to pop into the School Lane station and register their opinions.

They will be drumming up support on Tuesday, from 2pm to 6.30pm.

One of the protest's organisers, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The death knell is being sounded once again for organised firefighting within the town. After a period of 146 years of service to the community of Kenilworth it looks like it will now cease to exist.

"This is a retained station, where staff are paid for what they do. It's the most costeffective way of providing fire cover."

The campaigner added that it has been difficult to recruit staff in the past because of "the total inflexibility of the conditions of service contained within the national guidelines and the lack of a flexible approach by senior management."

Currently competent fire-fighters, many of whom have full-time jobs, are required to provide 80 hours of cover per week.

This level of commitment is rewarded with a retaining fee of pounds 2,821, or 68p per hour, with additional payments for attending training and incidents.

He went on: "Many people come forward offering to cover 40 hours, but this is deemed unacceptable. But why? Twice as many employed equals less likelihood of non-availability of the fire appliance.

"The small extra cost could be met by trimming the tree from the top instead of undermining its roots." And, in a message to the public, he said: "If you value the presence of what is ultimately your fire station, the crew would urge you to come to the station to register your feelings."

The county council is expected to reveal the date of the consultation within the next few days.