A county spokesman said: “Proposals include reductions in support staff and managers and changes to some response arrangements but there are no plans to close any fire stations.” The savings are part of West Sussex County Council’s plans to reduce its costs by £79m. Originally, the fire service had proposed making savings through a merger with East Sussex but the plans had to be dropped due to uncertainties over funding. The two services will, however, merge their control rooms to save an estimated £950,000 per year. The new Sussex control centre is due to go live in September, 2013. Impact on staff Deputy county fire officer Sean Ruth said the budget plan would mean changes for staff but the aim of the proposals had to be on maintaining essential services to the public. “To make the level of savings required it will inevitably mean a reduction in posts,” he said. “But I believe the areas we have identified for change mean we will still be able to deliver the right balance of community safety and emergency response services to people in West Sussex. “It is also important our performance standards match risks in the county, so when you dial 999 in West Sussex a fire engine will still arrive within our agreed attendance times as it does now. “Our plan is not just about cost-cutting. “We want to reinvest resources in areas where it will improve our overall performance, and we will also seek ways to attract new sources of income. “Sponsorship, for example, could be used to support safety campaigns and initiatives.” Plans Proposals put forward include: A reduction in senior and middle managers Reviewing the number of on-call officers Changing the crewing of specialist vehicles at Crawley and Worthing Changing the response arrangements in the Horley and Crawley area Reductions in support roles and HQ based functions Streamlining the process for fire safety enforcement Reducing the number of service vehicles Exploring opportunities for income generation Decision Christine Field, West Sussex County Council member for public protection, will decide on the proposals following the public consultation. “This is a difficult financial time for public services so it is even more important that we focus on delivering essential services to the community,” she said. “The fire and rescue service is proposing changes to its ways of working in order to maintain and even improve its services, but at this stage we should stress they are just proposals. “The views of the public are particularly important during a consultation so I would urge as many people as possible to take part before a decision is taken.” Consultation details The consultation will run for 10 weeks from today (July 12) to September 21. The consultation document, and all the supporting information plus an online questionnaire can be viewed on the County Council website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire. Printed versions are available on request from fire HQ on 01243 753706 and copies will be available in all libraries, district and borough council offices. In addition to the online questionnaire, views can be submitted by emailing fire.redesign@westsussex.gov.uk, by calling 01243 753706, or in writing to Ian Coleman, Fire Redesign Team, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service HQ, Northgate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1BD.