Do not cut fire service for a growing town like Bexhill

I have heard that there are numerous proposed cuts throughout East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, obviously my primary concern is Bexhill as I have lived here for 25 years.

Currently Bexhill has two fire engines and twelve full time fire fighters; I have heard that East Sussex Fire and Rescue service propose to cut the current service in half ie) two fire engines down to one and twelve full time fire fighters down to six.

The immediate response time is currently 7 days a week 08:30 – 18:30 a total of 70 hours per week. The proposed cut will alter this to Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, 5 days a week a total of 40 hours per week. The rest of the hours will be covered by on call fire fighters responding from home. This will mean 30 hours per week increased attendance time of 5 minutes for the first fire engine to arrive, which in my mind is dangerous and puts the community of Bexhill and the fire fighters at greater risk.

I am astounded that these proposed cuts are being discussed as Bexhill is a rapidly expanding town with various new housing developments appearing which ultimately increases the traffic flow and could result in more traffic accidents.

Not only that but Bexhill has a high percentage of elderly and vulnerable people who need to feel safe. When a town is rapidly growing how can East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service even consider cutting back the current service?