The Tory-controlled Warwickshire County Council commissioned an independent report on how it could cut £2 million from its fire service budget. one recommendation is the ‘co-location’ of Warwick and Leamington fire stations.

I am strongly opposed to this idea. It’s nothing more than the Tory axe falling on vital public services. No case has been made for this closure and no risk assessment has been done. There has been no consultation.

I have met with the team of fire-fighters based on Warwick, who understandably dismayed at this plan. I will try to urge the Tory council to drop this idea.

To this end, we are collecting signatures on a petition to the council - we already have 2,500. The residents of Warwick do not want their safety out at risk.