Firefighters in Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue service have been left devastated and angered by the Fire Authorities decision to push ahead with what could only be described as dangerous plans to slash both fire cover and firefighter posts.

The FBU believe that if these cuts are allowed to go ahead it will mean that both the general public and serving Firefighters within Tyne and Wear will be placed in an intolerable risk

On the 17th February the fire Authority ratified the decision that they took on the 20th January to close three stations Wallsend, Gosforth and Sunderland central, reducing firefighter posts by 131, removing six fire appliances permanently with a further two in the nighttime and the removal of a Aerial Ladder Platform. They decided to continue with the cuts despite the efforts of Sunderland councilors and members of Parliment.

If these cuts are allowed to go ahead it will mean a fundamental change in the way Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will operate.

It will lead to

• Slower response times
• Less Firefighters to effect a safe conclusion to the incident
• Reduction in specialist equipment
• Less community safety work

Please sign the petition and help stop to stop the cuts