Lives could be put 'at risk' if fire station crew change plans go ahead

Proposals to change staffed hours at Helensburgh Fire Station have sparked fears that "lives could be at risk".

- CHRIS MARZELLA

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Service Delivery Review is considering the proposal which would see Helensburgh's full-time facility switch to a “day crewing” model.

The changes would mean that crews are only based at the station between 8am and 6pm.

On call crews would then be scrambled during unsociable hours - despite concerns raised over the risks presented by the presence of Faslane Naval Base and RNAD Coulport.

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie, who represents Helensburgh and Lomond at Holyrood, has raised her concerns over the plans and has called for a re-think.

The proposals are set to go out for public consultation later this month.

Ms Baillie says that if the plans are given the go-ahead it could place lives at risk.

She said: “I know a number of fire services throughout the UK have moved to day duty models, however, the unique geography of Helensburgh and Lomond and the wider Argyll and Bute area, presents an additional risk.