Night cover for fire stations

Falmouth and Camborne fire stations are keep their 24 hour cover after Cornwall County Council announced a u-turn.

There had been plans to shut down 24-hour cover at the two stations in an bid to save money.

But after a storm of protest over safety fears, Cornwall County Council rubber-stamped Cornwall County Fire Brigade's budget to enable full-time cover to continue at Falmouth and Camborne.

They are the only two fire stations in the county to be manned 24 hours a day. Other fire stations across the Duchy use retained crews.

'Good news'

Members of the public and unions welcomed the county council's decision.

Mike Tremellan, the Cornish chair of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "I think most people are aware of the situation and the risks that were associated with the potential downgrading of fire cover in Falmouth and Camborne. So to have the decision finally that cover will be maintained is undoubtedly good news."

But he disputed claims that plans to provide full-time cover for 15 other fire stations were not cost-effective.

"I think the results that decided they weren't cost-effective were derived from a computer programme. And while computer programmes are certainly an aid to making or informing a decision, they shouldn't be looked at in isolation."

Died

He added: "I think a similar proposal could be looked at in the future, but you've got to bear in mind what other factors are involved."

In 2007 three people died in a fire which destroyed the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay. Critics say the fire could have been brought under control sooner if there had been more full-time crews available.