MP praises work of local firefighters
SOUTH West Norfolk MP Christopher Fraser has praised the work of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service while appealing for more retained firefighters in our region.
Mr Fraser made the appeal during a visit to the service headquarters in Hethersett, when he expressed a grave concern about the lack of officers in certain parts of the county.
He said: "The purpose of my visit was to discuss the shortfall in retained fire officers at rural stations in West Norfolk and the implications for effective emergency cover in the Norfolk fens.
"Chief fire officer Richard Elliott briefed me on the action being taken to address this issue, which is recognised as a potential challenge for the service if the recruitment of retained officers does not increase.
"I would urge local people who want to serve their community to consider putting themselves forward. Retained firefighters play a vital role in saving the lives of friends and neighbours."
Mr Fraser said he also intends to discuss the shortfall in finance for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service with Government ministers.
He added: "Significant expenditure is committed to fuel costs for specialist vehicles like fire engines.
"Yet the fire service, as with other emergency services, is prohibited from using so-called red diesel, on which there is a beneficial rate of excise duty.
"So the Government is taxing the fire service on its fuel and effectively reducing the money spent on front-line emergency cover."
For more information on becoming a retained firefighter visit www.norfolkfire service.gov.uk or call 01603 810351
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
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