Thursday 15 November 2012

Morley Fire Station Campaign tops 2000 0bjections

Christine and Brian Guy delivering Morley's 2000+ objections to Morley Fire Station closure
The Campaign to retain Morley Fire Station has topped 2000 objections and campaigners visited West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority to hand over the objections personally to the consultation team based at Birkenshaw.

The campaign commenced when proposals were first raised to close both Morley and Hunslet Fire Stations merging them at a new building proposed for a site adjacent to the White Rose Centre on Dewsbury Road.

Campaigners believe the closure of Morley Fire Station will put lives at risk - especially in the outlying areas such as Drighlington and East Ardsley - as well as creating a delay for fire engines reaching the M62 - the location for many of the areas serious road traffic accidents.

The campaign has been supported by Brian and Christine Guy whose efforts have reached the magnificent target of over 2100 objection letters. At a visit to the Fire Authority I was privileged to attend with them we saw additional objections form the Morley area and received confirmation that the Morley District had raised the most objections to the wide scale reforms which impact on all communities across the West Yorkshire area.

Morley Folk are to be congratulated on the support for this campaign and indeed a similar large number of objections came from Morley residents against Labours LDF proposals to dump over 7,000 new housing units on greenfield sites across the Morley area. The Morley Community is clearly articulating its concerns and we hope the Labour controlled Fire Authority will listen to the overwhelming opposition to their plans.

The financial arguments for closure are feeble and we have asked, but not received confirmation, that any future Government will commit itself to reversing these cuts and delivering a fair funding package for West Yorkshire. Our own MP Ed Balls - despite stating he is campaigning against the closure - will offer no such assurances. As ever with Labour they moan about the problem but will do nothing to resolve it!

Christine and Brian deserve full praise for their battling efforts. Their commitment is typical of the independent thinking in Morley and the MBI group are delighted to get their support with the Fire Station Campaign.

The final decision will be taken by the Fire Authority in December. We will be there to make sure we hold accountable those councillors who make the final decision!