Dual-crew move could begin early

Under fire service plans aerial platforms will not be specially crewed

The introduction of dual-crewing for the aerial platform at a north Devon fire station could be brought forward.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority planned to implement dual crews in Exeter and Torquay this year, with Barnstaple's introduced next year.

But the service is now considering an earlier start date for Barnstaple because of a higher than anticipated level of vacancies of firefighters.

Under the plans, aerial platforms will no longer have dedicated crews.

The issue will be discussed at the authority's meeting later.

In February the authority voted to axe 24 full-time posts and allow dual-crewing of aerial platforms to deal with a £1.3m budget shortfall.

It said its decision was the option that would have the least adverse impact on the service.

But the Fire Brigades Union has opposed the moved which it claims could cost lives.