The launch of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Corporate Safety Plan consultation

People in Lichfield and Burntwood are being asked for their views on Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s plans for the next four years.

The launch of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Corporate Safety Plan consultation
The launch of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Corporate Safety Plan consultation

A 12-week consultation over the proposed Corporate Safety Plan has been launched.

The document outlines how it hopes to build on a strategy of prevention which has seen more than 80,000 home fire risk checks carried out in the last three years.

Bob Preston, Corporate Safety Plan manager, said: “Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s vision is to make the county the safest place to be.

“We’re committed to the principle that prevention is far more effective than cure.

“We deliver a first-class emergency response service on the sad occasions it’s required. But we’d rather do everything possible to stop those occasions happening in the first place.

“This is our vision and we want to know what people think of our plans to continue delivering it over the next few years. It is vitally important that our Corporate Safety Plan is developed with the contributions of the local communities we serve.”

The fire service has also been forced to make changes to the way it operates following changes to its funding, including the decision to reduce the number of engines based in Lichfield – a move the city’s MP Michael Fabricant branded “irresponsible and reckless”.

But fire chiefs hit back, insisting a package of changes would help save £170,000 a year.

People can give their views on the plan and find out more on the fire service’s website.

The consultation closes on October 16.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.