STATEMENT ON PONTARDAWE FIRE STATION

Responding to the Fire Authority's decision this morning to continue with the downgrade of Pontardawe fire station from a whole-time station to a day-crewed station, Gwenda Thomas AM said:

"I'm very disappointed that the Fire Authority has this morning taken the decision to downgrade Pontardawe fire station, despite receiving strong representations against such a move from myself as the local AM, by councillors in both the Swansea and Amman Valleys and also by the over 2,500 local people who signed the petition against the downgrade which was organised by the FBU.

"The evidence that has been presented by the FBU to me and to the Fire Authority against the downgrade is compelling. The figures used by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue service to justify the downgrading of Pontardawe did not seem to include the number of cases where the appliance at Pontardawe is called out to back-up other fire appliances at emergency calls outside of its area of responsibility, such as at the incident a fortnight ago at the Gwyn Hall in Neath. The strategic importance of Pontardawe fire station should have been recognised.

“I will now be seeking an urgent meeting with Dr. Brian Gibbons AM, the Assembly Government minister with responsibility for the fire and rescue services in Wales to see what if anything the Assembly Government can do following this morning’s decision.

Press Release: NEATH AM BACKS TOUGH ACTION ON ARSON

- Welsh Labour announces £2.5m fund for arson hotspots and fire protection for local schools.

A MAJOR new drive to reduce arson attacks in Neath and protect local schools against fires in underway thanks to the Labour led Assembly Government.

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed Welsh Labour Social Justice Minister Brian Gibbons’ announcement of a £2.5m fund over the next three years for the Arson Reduction Team in Neath Port Talbot.

The teams are made up of police and fire service personnel who use educational and crime prevention measures to reduce arson attacks, such as deliberate school fires. The extra money will allow the teams to undertake a full crime reduction survey of local schools and offer grants for extra fire protection.

Since the Arson Reduction Teams were set up in 2005 there has been a 30% reduction in deliberately set fires attended by the Fire and Rescue service of Wales – saving the Welsh economy almost £24m.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

‘’Welsh Labour is on the side of local parents, teachers and pupils with our zero tolerance approach on arson.

‘’Extra funding for the Arson Reduction Teams will cut the number of arson attacks and prevent the devastating impact arson attacks can have.

‘’Arson attacks on schools cause widespread damage and disruption to our students and local community.

‘’The local Arson Reduction Team will be able to undertake a crime reduction survey of local schools and offer funding for security measures like secure fencing and secure bin storage.

‘’Thanks to Welsh Labour’s tough action on arson attacks our communities and schools are much safer.’’