The overwhelming reaction to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s plan to axe Porlock fire station was noisy and united.
There were rallies, and marches. The people who had dreamed up this dotty scheme should have been left in no doubt that the public didn’t like it at all. Neither did the majority of fire-fighters, the trade unions, the local councils and me.
Frankly, whoever came up with this shoddy plan should never be left in charge of anything important ever again.
Porlock was a life saver, operating in a challenging area where local knowledge and experience count.
The people who live in West Somerset understand this perfectly well. That is why 95% of respondents to the Fire Service consultation were opposed to the closure. Thankfully the powers that have listened and learned. Common sense has triumphed at last.