BUDGET cuts will inevitably lead to unacceptable loss of life and property in Hertfordshire, a firefighters union has claimed. Tony Smith,
BUDGET cuts will "inevitably lead to unacceptable loss of life and property" in Hertfordshire, a firefighters' union has claimed.
Tony Smith, the secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), delivered the stark warning after Hertfordshire County Council announced plans to save �6m over the next three years.
Mr Smith said: "It is unbelievable politicians think they can keep cutting the fire service budget every year without it having any effect on the service provided to the taxpayers of Hertfordshire.
"We saw massive cuts in 2006 with two stations closing and the loss of 40 frontline firefighter posts and, having heard what is to come, firefighters are in no doubt the fire service will struggle to fulfil its responsibilities in the future.
"More cuts will put firefighters and the public at completely unacceptable levels of danger.
"There must be a stop to these cuts to the frontline fire service and the demoralising attacks on firefighters' working conditions.
"We are calling on politicians to see sense and reverse their plans before someone loses their life unnecessarily.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here