To consider Report CFO/059/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the 12 week public consultation regarding the draft proposal to merge Upton and West Kirby fire stations at a new station on Saughall Massie Road, Saughall Massie, as an alternative to an outright closure of West Kirby fire station; and the re-designation of one of the two existing wholetime appliances as “wholetime retained”.

Members considered Report CFO/059/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the twelve week public consultation regarding the draft proposal to merge Upton and West Kirby fire stations at a new station on Saughall Massie Road, Saughall Massie as an alternative to an outright closure of West Kirby fire station and re-designation of one of the two existing wholetime appliances as "wholetime retained”.

Members were provided with a detailed overview of the report and the outcomes of the twelve week public consultation, which highlighted how the consultation process was publicised, the consultation events which took place and the specific outcomes of each event, outcomes of the online and postal questionnaires; and the outcomes of the public meetings, including a summary of questions raised and responses provided during those meetings.

The overview highlighted the financial implications, which detailed the cost of the consultation process (which is in addition to the cost of the first consultation process over the proposed Greasby site); and highlighted that the costs detailed do not take account of the amount of officer time invested in both consultation processes, which has been significant.

The Chief Fire Officer informed Members that there has been significant opposition to the merger from residents of Saughall Massie, however it is important that Members also consider the views of people from West Kirby, Hoylake and Meols, as they are the people who would lose out should the merger not proceed. It was highlighted that in general, the residents of these areas supported the merger option; and felt that it was appropriate.

Cllr Rennie raised some queries on behalf of residents and fellow ward Councillors. She stated that many residents have the opinion that there has been some collusion between the Chief Fire Officer and Wirral Borough Council, as they believe that there have been a number of alternative sites which have not been fully considered. She requested that the Chief Fire Officer go though each of the sites that where identified and explain why they were dismissed, in order to allay the fears of residents and dispel rumours.

The Chief Fire Officer stated that he would attempt to provide reassurance and proceeded to provide an overview of the sites considered, highlighting that the Authority cannot force people to sell or compulsory purchase land; and are ultimately beholden to land owners. He explained that once the Greasby site had been withdrawn by Wirral Borough Council, the land being considered in this report was the only suitable land available.

Members Resolved that:

a)    The outcomes of the comprehensive and informative Wirral public consultation, be noted.

b)    Those outcomes be taken into fully and carefully considered account, when considering Report CFO/058/15 relating to the possible future options for fire cover in West Wirral.