Buxton may lose reserve team fire engine

DERBYSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is planning a “restructuring” that could lead to 50 firefighters being axed - along with four engines. The proposals have been agreed by the fire authority as a way of slashing their budget by £5 million over the next four years.

The four engines that could be withdrawn from the 42-strong fleet are second fire engines in Ashbourne, Buxton, Clay Cross and Shirebrook. All four are crewed by “on call” firefighters who respond to calls from their homes or where the work.

However, during the consultation period - which will start on April 1 - alternative options will be considered including flexible working; early retirement; and voluntary redundancy as well as “natural wastage”.

Chief Fire Officer Sean Frayne said: “These are very difficult times. We believe that this new structure will enable us to reduce our expenditure as required by the Government’s comprehensive spending review, but will also enable us to keep the people of Derby and Derbyshire safe.”