‘As an MP for other parts of Essex my constituency already has on call fire-fighters at all other stations (West Mersea, Wivenhoe, Manningtree, Brightlingsea and Weeley). How is it possible to argue that what is safe for those other communities is somehow not safe for Harwich and Dovercourt?’
These are statements included in Bernard Jenkin MP’s response to Harwich Town Council after the council unanimously expressed its disgust at his support for the options put out to public consultation by the Essex Fire Authority.
The Labour Group on Harwich Town Council believes that Mr Jenkin’s response further shows that he is completely out of touch with what is happening in his own constituency and, what is worse, has not bothered to find out.
Leader of the Labour Group of Harwich Town Councillors, Ivan Henderson, says, “All of the options could leave the Harwich Peninsula 15 minutes away from its nearest available fire engine when fire-fighters know that 10 minutes is the ‘golden time’ to save a life. How dare Bernard Jenkin ask why we should be treated differently? He should be ashamed of himself!”
Mr Jenkin also states in his letter:
‘I am sorry to say that the Town Council is not representing the best interests of Harwich and Dovercourt by insisting that it will not accept anything less than full time crews when we already have on call at night.’
This statement is totally untrue. Harwich Town Council is fully aware that the town’s 2nd fire engine is already crewed by retained fire-fighters and at no time has the council suggested that this should be upgraded to a full time crew. Also, Mr Jenkin is clearly unaware that the ‘on call’ service at night is provided by the full time fire-fighters thus ensuring an immediate response. All of the options supported by Mr Jenkin would remove that guaranteed response.
“Bernard Jenkin is accusing Harwich Town Council of using scare stories when he hasn’t even bothered to visit Dovercourt Fire Station to find out the facts,” continued Ivan Henderson. “His breathtaking arrogance is endangering the safety of those living and working on the Harwich Peninsula.”
Click image to read Bernard Jenkin’s letter.
Further information please contact Press Officer Garry Calver Tel 01255 551940
