COUNCILLORS believe Fire Service chiefs are playing with people’s lives by reducing the level of firefighter cover in Wellington.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have controversial plans which would see Wellington’s daytime second fire engine put out of action and only brought into operation at night.

The plans across the two counties involve closing eight fire stations and removing 30 fire engines as the Fire Service looks to save £5.5 million following a reduction in Government financial support.

But members of Wellington Town Council opposed the area losing its second daytime fire engine at the council’s meeting on Monday.

“We can’t afford to lose it,” said Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow. “We can’t just lie down and let them get rid of one of our engines.”

Cllr John Thorne said that second daytime engines were also being removed from Chard, Williton and Tiverton, which led him to ask where the extra support would come from if needed.

“The Fire Service is playing with people’s lives,” he said. “They are gambling that there won’t be any house fires in Wellington during the day – that is just gambling with lives.

“We must object most strongly to this. Not just about Wellington losing its second engine during the day but the impact of the reductions at other stations.”

Local firefighters have given town councillors a report stating why it is important for the Wellington station to have its second fire engine available during the day.

n The town has an increasing population with three major housing developments in recent years.

n The number of commercial units around the Chelston area has increased bringing an increased population and risk during the daytime.

n Wellington has two major factories with high numbers of employees at Relyon and Swallowfield.

n The main London to Penzance railway line runs through the area and while this poses a risk the significant concern is associated with Whiteball Tunnel.

n And the M5 motorway brings a multitude of possible incidents from simple fires involving cars to lorries carrying hazardous loads and high-impact crashes involving casualties.

The firefighters’ report added: “With surrounding stations facing similar reduction in cover we are anxious there will be delays in responding to our requests for support.”

Not only do local firefighters fear the cuts could cause delay in dealing with life-threatening situations involving members of the public but they could also put their safety at risk.

Town councillors will be writing to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service with their concerns about the proposals as part of a consultation process.