Articles and Speeches

We've Saved Windsor's Fire Station!
07-Jul-06, Windsor Express Article.

I am delighted that following concerted pressure from residents, local councillors, myself and other MPs, the Windsor Fire Station has been saved from closure!

The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority had put forward proposals which would see our fire station closed and our homes served by appliances from Slough.

Not surprisingly these proposals raised much concern amongst local people, worried that in the event of a fire, they would not be reached as quickly as they are now.

Councillor Christine Bateson, who sits on the Fire Authority, proposed that the officers reconsider and come back with proposals that would not close our fire station.

The motion was passed unopposed and it was of great reassurance that Conservative councillors in other parts of Berkshire area supported Windsor residents.

People understand that political parties sometimes disagree, but thankfully, this was an issue that united us all. So I do share the disappointment felt by local residents when they received a bizarre piece of LibDem literature suggesting that Conservatives wanted to close the fire station! The Fire Authority has never been, and should never be, run on party political lines.

With emergencies such as fires, every second counts, and I am pleased and relieved that the Fire Authority has listened to the concerns of local people and will now look into alternative proposals.

This is a great success for Windsor and I want to thank the Express newspaper, councillors and residents for taking a clear stance in defending Windsor residents in this matter.