CAMPAIGNERS and the fire service are urging residents to take part in the consultation on plans to halve the number of full-time firefighters in Wrexham and axe its second whole-time fire engine.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) is currently consulting the public on emergency cover across the region. Two of the three options in the consultation involve cutting the second fire appliance in Wrexham and reducing the number of firefighters from 52 to 28.

The motion, which was backed unanimously by councillors, states: "Rhosddu Community Council understands the financial pressures facing NWFRA faces due to 13 years of austerity. However we deeply regret that the Authority has chosen, as one of its options, to make savings by reducing the number of firefighters in Wrexham from 52 to 28 and axing the second whole-time fire appliance.

"This council calls on the Fire Authority to maintain the current levels of emergency cover in Wrexham."

Community council chair, Steve Gittins, said: "The council opposed this proposal when it was first put forward in 2016. Since then, Wrexham has seen thousands of extra houses built, a new super-prison and we still have the largest industrial estate with many hazardous hotspots in the fire authority.

"Wrexham is the busiest station in north Wales and reducing the service in half in terms of frontline staff is part of a package of proposals that we find completely unacceptable. Two of the options involve cutting frontline firefighters by 12 per cent and 19 per cent - with even the Chief Fire Officer stating that the most drastic option is unacceptable to her. We are saying that a 12 per cent cut in staffing is also unacceptable and dangerous."

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He added: "We stand in solidarity with our local firefighters, who are always there for us when we need them. We're urging everyone to take part in the consultation by going to https://www.northwalesfire.gov.wales/about-us/emergency-cover-review-have-your-say/ and being clear about the need to retain the current levels of emergency cover in Wrexham."

There is also an in-person consultation at Ty Pawb at 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday, August 16 as well as an online consultation session for the general public.

A spokesperson for NWFRA said while it won't respond to Rhosddu Community Council's motion, it is urging Wrexham residents to take part in the consultation. 

They said: "We are encouraging everyone across north Wales to get involved in the consultation so we can gather feedback on their views on our future emergency cover proposals.

"We want to ensure we can continue to be there for you when you need us, in the right place, at the right time, and with the right skills, no matter where you live or who you are – providing the fairest possible service to everyone.

"The Fire Authority will not be making any decisions on our future plans until everyone’s feedback has been captured, and we’re keen to hear from everyone in our communities to make sure no voices go unheard."