To consider Report CFO/059/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the twelve week public consultation regarding the draft proposals to either merge St Helens and Eccleston fire stations at a new station on Canal Street, St Helens, or close Eccleston fire station outright and respond from St Helens.

Members considered report CFO/094/15 of the Chief Fire Officer concerning the outcomes of the twelve week public consultation regarding the draft proposals to either merge St. Helens and Eccleston fire stations at a new station on Canal Street, St. Helens, or close Eccleston fire station outright and respond from St. Helens.

Members were provided with an overview of the report, which detailed the consultation undertaken with various stakeholders over proposals to deliver the savings required for this year, which took the form of public meetings, focus groups, staff meetings and an online questionnaire. The update also highlighted the outcomes of this consultation.

Members were informed that the public consultation meetings were not well attended, however the overall conclusion was that the Canal Street merger proposal was supported.

There were no comments referring to the exempt information so the meeting was not closed to the public at this point

Members resolved that

a)    The outcomes of the comprehensive and informative St Helens public consultation be noted.

b)    Those outcomes be taken into full and carefully considered account when considering report CFO/094/15 relating to the possible future options for fire cover in St. Helens. 

c)    Thanks be placed on record to all involved in the consultation process including Officers, Opinion Research Services and Eccleston Councillors.