Fire service outlines future plan

The fire and rescue service has faced criticised from the Audit Commission

People in Cornwall are being asked for their views on the fire brigade's plans for the future.

A blueprint has been drawn up for the period until 2013 showing how it would improve its service to the community.

The plan outlines how the fire service would ensure the safety of the Cornish public and reduce the number of people injured or killed in fires.

It also dealt with criticisms made in an Audit Commission report in January 2009 which labelled the brigade "weak".

Public consultation

The commission's report said: "Staff do not clearly understand what the fire and rescue service is trying to achieve.

"Not all staff feel valued by management... strategic leadership is weak."

The service plan for 2010 to 2013 highlights the need for managers to be accountable for how the brigade performs.

The draft plan will be open to public consultation until January.

Chief fire officer Des Tidbury said: "We want to know if people agree with the priorities we have identified for ourselves and how they rate their importance."

The final draft will be presented to councillors for approval in March 2010.