TWO fire stations in Wiltshire could lose two fire engines and night-time cover could be reduced at two more as part of cost-cutting proposals, according to the Fire Brigades Union.

The union says the second pump appliances at Corsham and Marlborough fire stations will be removed as part of cut-backs planned by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

DWFRS also wants to reduce night-time cover at Chippenham and Trowbridge fire stations as part of cutbacks planned from next April, it claims.

Val Hampshire, the FBU’s South West executive council member, said the proposals could erode community safety and put at risk the lives of firefighters and members of the public.

“We are absolutely appalled that the service are even considering these cuts. The two whole-time crews who provide guaranteed retained cover at night are being taken away.

“This means there is no guaranteed cover between Swindon and Salisbury at night if they take Chippenham and Trowbridge guaranteed cover away.

“Yes, they are reliant on the retained but if the retained aren’t available there is no cover. That to me is just appalling because it is cost-cutting.”

By removing second pump appliances, she says DWFRS is making it “more and more difficult” to provide cover for other incidents when crews are already dealing with a major emergency and to cover crews taking rest breaks.

“There is a danger to the public because appliances are having to travel further as the back-up appliances.

“Firefighters lives will be at risk because most of the time they are not crewing with five, they are crewing with four, and the public most definitely.”

A DWFRS spokesperson said: “As with many public sector organisations, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are facing significant financial challenges, and we have a programme of work in place to make sure we are sustainable for the future.

“There is a requirement for all fire and rescue services to review their community risk profile to provide value for money services to our communities.

“Following a comprehensive fire cover review, we are looking at the position, the number and type of our resources to make sure these meet the changing risk profile across our service area.

“Fundamental to the fire cover review is maintaining, and where we can, improving our response to emergency incidents, continuing to be there when our communities need us.

 “We are working with our trade unions and keeping our staff informed when decisions are made.”