Morley Fire Station - Public Meeting

A public meeting has been called by the Morley Borough Independents to discuss the proposals for the closure of Morley Fire Station and its merger with Hunslet Fire Station at an undisclosed location on Dewsbury Road.

The Meeting will be held in the Council Chamber in Morley Town Hall on Monday 8th October at 7pm.

Our opposition to the closure is well recorded as we have significant concerns about the fire safety of residents in outer communities - especially in East Ardsley, Drighlington and Gildersome - who may be put at risk if it takes longer for a fire engine to attend. We all know about the problems with Dewsbury Road and the difficulties that can face vehicles - especially when the M62 is clogged up as often as it is. If we add into this challenging scenario additional housing proposed for the Dewsbury Road corridor then communities may be being put at risk. 

Morley Fire Station does an brilliant job in dealing with road traffic incidents on the M62 and is often called for assistance along the stretch of motorway that runs along the length of Morley. The local firefighters also do an excellent job is reducing the risk of fires breaking out by visiting vulnerable groups - such as pensioners and the disabled - to offer help and advice to support a reduction in the potential for a fire. This successful approach has seen the number of deaths from house fires drop dramatically over the last few years and prevention is always better than the cure.

 The Fire Brigades Union has been invited to attend and we are hoping as many resident as possible will also attend to make their views clear. This will form the basis for our representation during this public consultation stage.

 A final decision is to be taken in December. It si vital that that decision takes into account local views and does not reduce the safety of local communities.