MPs RESPOND TO FIRE REPORT

4.30.00pm GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

Commenting, on behalf of the Parliamentary Team for Cornwall, on today's Audit Commission report about Cornwall's Fire Services, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"The findings of the Audit Commission report are very disappointing. It's clear that improvements need to be made to management, and it's welcome that action in this area has already started, with the appointment of interim Chief Fire Officer Terry Standing.

"It's vital that the management needs to be got right, and although this process has already started, this should be a key priority for the unitary authority.

"I've seen first hand the excellent work of Cornwall's fire services on the front line. While there are important challenges that the Fire Authority's management must demonstrate they can meet, it's important that today's report is not seen as a poor reflection on the vital work that our firefighters do every day to protect our communities."

The Cornish MPs have requested an urgent meeting with interim Chief Fire Office Terry Standing to discuss the report and to ask him to outline what improvements he is going to make.