The Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service closed down the Radlett Fire Station in October 2006 despite the overwhelming opposition of the residents of Radlett, expressed in public meetings, hundreds of letters and over 7,000 signatures on a petition.
The campaign group SOFAR (Save Our Fire & Rescue) worked long and hard to prevent the closure and is still trying to get the station re-opened. Our main concern, apart from the obvious loss of a vital service was that fire engines from neighbouring areas would be unable to reach fires in Radlett and surrounding communities within the target times of 10 and 13 minutes for house fires where people may be trapped. Equally we were concerned at the loss of local knowledge so that fire crews from other stations would not know where some roads or properties are and this would also cause delays.
Over the past two years we have collected and collated the official statistics from the Fire Service and believe our fears have been realised. In particular, it has often been the case that the second engines needed before fire-fighters can enter a property have failed to meet the target arrival times in this area. We have also collected first-hand stories from residents who have seen fire engines going the wrong way towards roads and buildings from where an emergency call has been made because they do not know the locality.
The Radlett Fire Station building is still there in our high street although looking increasingly sad and unloved. We love it. We want it re-opened and back in operation with our local fire crew protecting us and our families.
This Blog will detail our continuing fight... please join us and help us if you can!
The campaign group SOFAR (Save Our Fire & Rescue) worked long and hard to prevent the closure and is still trying to get the station re-opened. Our main concern, apart from the obvious loss of a vital service was that fire engines from neighbouring areas would be unable to reach fires in Radlett and surrounding communities within the target times of 10 and 13 minutes for house fires where people may be trapped. Equally we were concerned at the loss of local knowledge so that fire crews from other stations would not know where some roads or properties are and this would also cause delays.
Over the past two years we have collected and collated the official statistics from the Fire Service and believe our fears have been realised. In particular, it has often been the case that the second engines needed before fire-fighters can enter a property have failed to meet the target arrival times in this area. We have also collected first-hand stories from residents who have seen fire engines going the wrong way towards roads and buildings from where an emergency call has been made because they do not know the locality.
The Radlett Fire Station building is still there in our high street although looking increasingly sad and unloved. We love it. We want it re-opened and back in operation with our local fire crew protecting us and our families.
This Blog will detail our continuing fight... please join us and help us if you can!
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