Extra fire stations could be built in Essex despite countrywide fears emergency provision is to be reduced.
There were concerns stations on Canvey, Leigh and Rochford could be shut after the failure of a High Court bid challenging Government plans to push through sweeping changes to the fire service.
However, Essex Fire Authority chairman Lionel Lee has confirmed there is no intention of closing the stations or reducing them to part-time operations.
Mr Lee said: "Just because Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said there needs to be changes does not mean to say we will be closing fire stations here.
"There is no talk about closing fire stations in Essex. If anything I want to build new ones. Essex is growing.
"We have Shell Haven planned for south Essex and we need our fire stations."
Graham Noakes, Essex Brigade secretary for the Fire Brigade's Union, said it was excellent news.
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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