David Chadwick MP warns rural fire station closures could put communities at risk after floods

Tindle News

David Chadwick has called for urgent clarity on the future of rural fire stations in Wales, warning that proposed closures could leave communities vulnerable to disasters like the recent floods in Monmouthshire. Speaking in Parliament this week, the Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP praised emergency services for their response to the floods but highlighted that small fire stations - often equipped to respond to major incident - are under threat of closure. Video from parliamentlive.tv

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00:00the people that need it.

00:03David Chabot, Liberal Democrats, both of the members.

00:06Mr Speaker, the recent floods in Monmouthshire have been devastating for local communities,

00:10and our thoughts are with everyone affected as they try to return to some sense of normality.

00:16And I'd also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and everyone who worked so tirelessly

00:20to keep residents safe throughout this event.

00:23Last year, we saw attempts by multiple fire and rescue authorities in Wales

00:28to close small fire stations, which often house the equipment needed to respond to major floods

00:34like the ones we've just seen, with two of the proposed closures in my own constituency,

00:39in Knighton and Crick Howell, Crick Howell being just a stone's throw away from Monmouthshire,

00:45and the services that are based there often go over the border just to help them.

00:49Could she clarify, could the Under-Secretary of State clarify what engagements they've had

00:54with fire services in Wales on potential closures, and whether she agrees with me

00:59that it's vital we keep those small stations open to protect residents in rural Wales

01:05from devastating events such as the ones we've just seen?

01:09Minister.

01:11I thank the member for his question.

01:12Look, I also want to pay huge tribute to the first responders, to the emergency units,

01:18to the fire rescue service, who absolutely did an outstanding job and continue to do that

01:25outstanding job over the weekend and now and into the future, but right across Wales.

01:32And it is important that we protect those putting themselves in danger and supporting people

01:38in need.

01:39I'm happy to write to the Honourable Member about the details of the closures.

01:44And I'm happy to get back to Monmouth.

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