MCINNES RECOGNISES VITAL WORK OF GRAMPIAN FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Sep 2009

Speaking in the Fire and Rescue Framework debate at Holyrood this morning, Alison McInnes, North East Scotland MSP, praised the fire service in Grampian and recognised the very particular commitment shown by retained fire fighters. Towns and villages across Grampian rely on retained fire stations.

Mrs McInnes said:

"The liberal democrats recognise the vital work of fire and rescue services across Scotland including the contribution of those fire-fighters on the retained duty system who provide a flexible and cost effective community service particularly in rural remote and island parts of Scotland.

"We support local flexibility in service delivery but do note the concerns of the fire brigades union who are calling for clear and enforceable standards and responsibilities. We therefore believe that the Fire and Rescue Advisory Unit and the Ministerial advisory Group need to work effectively with the fire and rescue authorities to deliver compliance with agreed and consistent objectives under the national framework."

Mrs McInnes also highlighted the pioneering work of Road Safety Grampian:

" I am increasingly aware that more and more of fire-fighters' time is taken up in responding to road traffic incidents and am pleased that the minister has set a strategic objective to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries due to road traffic collisions. I would like to highlight to Parliament the work of Road Safety Grampian which is a partnership with Grampian Police where 3 members of Fire Service Staff are based permanently at Nelson Street Police Office in Aberdeen. These members of staff are part of Grampian Fire & Rescue Service's Risk Reduction Unit that is managed by Community Safety and under the overall control of Central Support Services. The Unit has 2 crew managers, 2 police officers and 6 support staff working together from the same base."