The Campaign is Back!
On Monday 25th January local councillors met at Dundee City Chambers for a key meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee. One of the key points debated was the proposed downgrading of Balmossie Fire Station. The council heard presentations by the Fire Brigade Union Scotland’s regional organiser Jim Malone and Balmossie branch secretary Neil Ritch. Both put forward a very strong case for keeping the status quo at Balmossie.
Key points they raised was the reduction in a fire appliance in Dundee reducing emergency response capabilities in the area from eight to seven pumping appliances. The increase of response times during the evening hours was also discussed.
Tayside Fire and Rescue management team consisting of Chief Fire Officer Hunter and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Hay then presented their case for reducing fire cover in Dundee. Mr Hunter and Mr Hay put forward a very poor defence of their position. Mr Hay agreed during questioning that the Balmossie wholetime crew were the best performing crew in Tayside regarding community fire safety he also agreed that the Forfar retained crew were performing way in excess of set targets for community fire safety. As this proposal was not saving any money councillors were unconvinced as to what benefits there were to these proposals. Their argument, that by reducing a fire appliance in Dundee, would somehow increase community safety throughout the area did not sit well with local councillors and they challenged Mr Hunter and Mr Hay robustly on every point.
At the end of a very successful evening, councillors voted unanimously to accept the proposal document with the exception that the Balmossie Station being left as is.
During this very important meeting it was noted that East End SNP councillor Christina Roberts, one of two depute conveners of Tayside’s Fire and Rescue Board, made no effort to vote on the proposal. Councillor Roberts stated that, “she didn’t see the point in doing or saying anything”.
Councillor Roberts constituents must be wondering as to what is the point of having an elected representative who doesn’t think it it worthwhile taking part in the democratic process. I’m sure they will take this into consideration come the next local elections.