Nottinghamshire residents are being encouraged to give their views on plans to introduce two additional crewing systems at fire stations in the county. 

Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire and Rescue Authority – made up of councillors from both Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Councils – is looking at how it can better align its resources and make the necessary financial savings of up to £3.4m over the next three years. 

The consultation will run up until Sunday 17 December and is asking local people’s views on two proposals: 

•    alternative crewing, where fire engines with retained crews of less than four firefighters are used to attend smaller, lower risk incidents such as small bin or rubbish fires 

•    mixed crewing, where fire stations are crewed by wholetime firefighters at periods of highest demand, during the day, and retained firefighters - who must live or work within five minutes of their station - during periods of low demand, at night. 

Mixed crewing could potentially be introduced at two of three stations – Ashfield, Retford and Worksop – offering a saving of £500,000 per year, per station. 

Whilst alternative crewing offers no savings, it could provide greater efficiency and quicker response times to some incidents. 

Councillor Gordon Wheeler, Vice-Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities and Place Committee, said: “This consultation began in September and the County Council is keen for local people to express their views to the Fire Authority on these potential changes. 

“The results of the consultation are due to be discussed by the members of the Fire Authority on 5 February and a decision will be made at its meeting on 16 February, taking into account people’s views and the Chief Fire Officer’s recommendations.” 

People can find out more and give their views by visiting www.opinionresearch.co.uk/nfrs