Huge turnout at Hinckley Fire Services meeting

Nearly 150 people packed into Hinckley Fire Station last night to discuss controversial plans to remove one of Hinckley's two remaining Fire Engines.

The meeting organised by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service saw resident after resident speak up against the plans to cut Leicestershire Fire Services.

Amongst those who spoke at the meeting was Fire Authority Member Cllr Stuart Bray (Burbage and Hinckley Castle: Lib Dem). Stuart said "As a member of the Fire Authority I've opposed these plans for Leicestershire and will continue to oppose them. It's very worrying that amongst those opposing these plans are frontline firefighters who are warning that they'll no longer be able to properly protect Leicestershire residents. While money needs to be saved, it mustn't be at the expense of our safety."

Also speaking at the meeting was County Councillor Michael Mullaney (Hinckley;Lib Dem). Michael said "The phenomenal turnout at this meeting shows how much concern there is about these plans. 147 people were counted as attending the meeting at Hinckley, by contrast just two people attended the meeting at Coalville.

"An area the size of Hinckley, which when you add in Barwell, Earl Shilton and Burbage is one of the biggest populations in Leicestershire needs more than one Fire Engine. This was demonstrated perfectly at the meeting when first one and then the second Fire Engine were called out to a fire"