Town Councillor Sandy Lay has today written to West Yorkshire Fire Service concerning their proposals to build a new fire station at Menston and close Rawdon and Otley station.

“I have asked them to attend a Public Meeting,” said Cllr Lay, “so that residents can hear all the details of the proposals and ask questions’.

“We are all concerned that any change in service will reduce fire cover and public safety,” commented  Cllr Lay, “and I would not want the Fire Service to be accused of a ‘lack of consultation’ with the people of Otley.

“It is clear that decisions like those involved in the ‘Fire Cover’ proposals should be discussed and debated by the communities involved,” continued Cllr Lay. “and before they make their decision on the 9th December I hope the Fire Service will come and discuss their proposals with the people of Otley”.

“Although the proposals were agreed on the 9th September by the Fire Authority unfortunately it was not until Monday 28th November that the Fire Service started actively consulting with the people of Otley when they gave an explanation of their proposal to the Town Council. Sadly, without a public meeting I do not feel this was widely advertised nor sufficient to allow the people of Otley to make up their minds”.

If the Fire Authority continue with their plans I am asking for an assurance that the Otley Station will remain open until a replacement is built and the fire tender currently based there will stay in the district.” Ends

The proposals are available here

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