Call for re-think on night cover

The plans mean no staffing of Cornish fire stations after 1800 GMT

Controversial plans to end overnight staffing at two fire stations in Cornwall have not been supported by a key county council committee.

A scrutiny committee is recommending the council executive re-think a plan to use retained crews at Camborne and Falmouth stations at night.

They are the only county stations to be manned around the clock.

The plans, drawn up because of council budget constraints, have been opposed by the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU).

The move would mean the stations would not be staffed after 1800 GMT.

Emergency cover would be provided by firefighters responding from home, adding time to call outs.

Best option

The committee's recommendation will go before the executive on 7 February and the full council at the end of the month, when the budget will be set.

The FBU has said the move would lead to an increased likelihood of injuries and possibly fatalities.

Mike Tremellin, chairman of the FBU in Cornwall said the scrutiny committee's recommendation was positive: "We are very heartened by it but we will still maintain our campaign."

The fire service is being asked to make cuts in line with an overall shortfall across the county council.

Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden said the budget cuts were needed.

"I don't want to reduce the fire cover but I have a budget problem. This was the least worst option."