Councillor Adeyemo said:
“This is a crude attempt by Solihull's Conservative Party to stoke up fear by misrepresenting the facts. They really should have done their homework before putting out such a misleading article and setting up a petition to ‘hoover up signatures’ from worried residents.
Councillor Adeyemo went on to explain. He said:
“Like all public organisations, the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is looking at ways of working more efficiently whilst maintaining current service levels.
“As with many other public services, Fire Service funding has not kept up with demand and inflation and they need to make the most of the resources that they have. Specifically, the service receives no capital funding to invest in buildings and training facilities.
“The Service Delivery Model Review involves looking at when they are busy and when they are not – reallocating resources to busy times and reducing them at quiet times.
“As part of this exercise, they are also looking at possible changes to firefighters' shift patterns, including some changes requested by staff that could improve their work-life balance.
“It is important to stress that WMFS are required to do this by HMICFRS, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, so it is not just an idea concocted up by WMFS management.
“The most controversial proposal is the closure of Ward End Fire Station. WMFS are proposing to move this to Fire Service Headquarters in Nechells, which would actually improve overall average response times.
“All of this is going out for public consultation in early 2027 so everyone has the opportunity to submit their comments and concerns.
Councillor Adeyemo also stressed the following important points:
He went on to say:
“Following the Consultation, the West Midlands Fire and Risk Authority (WMFRA) will thoroughly scrutinise the proposals, consultation responses and recommendations from everyone.
“Nobody wants higher Fire Service precepts to be added to their council tax bills. We all expect WMFS to spend taxpayers money wisely.
“This is for the future of OUR Fire Service. That is why I would encourage everyone who is concerned to participate in this consultation when it begins.
“The WMFRA will hold WMFS management to account and ensure that what is finally approved is the best for the West Midlands.
Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats
We represent Liberal Democrat Members, Volunteers, Campaigners, Councillors and Candidates within the Local Authority area of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
The Local Authority area straddles three separate parliamentary constituencies - the Solihull West and Shirley constituency, the Meriden and Solihull East constituency and the two Solihull wards in the Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North constituency.
Liberal Democrats in Solihull and Meriden have a long record of action for the community, fighting hard for local residents on issues that are important to local residents.
