Local MP and Parliamentary Candidate for Truro and Falmouth Show Support for Retention of 24 Hour Fire Cover

Falmouth and Camborne MP Julia Goldsworthy along with the Liberal Democrat candidate for Truro and Falmouth Terrye Teverson, turned out in support of 24 hour fire cover. They took part in the weekend march from Falmouth to Camborne which was organised to highlight opposition to any cuts.

Cornwall County Council, as part of implementing their Integrated Risk Management Plan, and in order to find efficiency savings required by Government, are considering removing full time, 24 hour cover at Falmouth and Camborne - the only stations in Cornwall currently operating on a 24 hour basis.

Ms Goldsworthy has been urging the council to look again at the proposals and raised the issue in Parliament earlier in the summer. Following the tragic fire in Newquay, Cornwall County Council are reviewing their decision and both Ms Goldsworthy and Mrs Teverson hope that the weekend's campaign will help contribute to a positive outcome.

Commenting Ms Goldsworthy said,

"Since the proposals were first announced I have been urging Cornwall County Council to look again. Following the fire in Newquay I welcome their decision to review the proposals and look forward to their response. Other rural areas, particularly in the South West are also having to face similar, unpalatable cuts to frontline services because the government seems incapable of understanding the cost implications of providing such services in rural areas.

"People in Cornwall are not asking for better services than in other parts of the country - but they have a right to expect public services, including fire cover, to be as well funded as elsewhere. The government cannot avoid addressing this issue."

Terrye Teverson, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Truro and Falmouth added,

"The strong turnout shows just how concerned local people are about this matter.

"It is clear that the County Council must look again at the proposals, but the Government needs to urgently review the way frontline services in rural areas are funded.

"I will continue to work with my Liberal Democrat colleagues and campaign for a fair funding deal for our county so that we can finally have the frontline services we deserve."