Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has stepped up its campaign to retain 24/7 fire cover in Windsor by lodging an application to the High Court for permission to seek a judicial review of Berkshire Fire Authority's decision to close the town's fire station at night.

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader, said: "Earlier this year the Council agreed a strong action plan to save 24-hour fire cover for Windsor. Having taken counsel's advice, we are now prepared to take legal action to help ensure that Windsor has the level of fire cover it needs, both for our residents and for the many thousands of visitors to the town every year.

"It is very unfortunate that we have had to resort to the courts to help us overturn the fire authority's decision but we made a firm promise to our Windsor residents to do everything within the council's power to save night-time cover at their local fire station. Legal advice tells us that we stand a good chance of securing a judicial review and we expect our application to he heard in about two months."

The Windsor and Maidenhead council is seeking leave for judicial review on the grounds that the fire authority based its decision on historical figures and without proper assessment of future risks and demands as a result of continuing population increases in both Windsor and Slough. The council also contends that the consultation process was defective and unlawful because it did not contain enough information to allow people to give 'intelligent consideration' or 'intelligent response' to the proposal to withdraw night-time cover.

Cllr Christine Bateson, one of the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's fire authority representatives, said: "Residents have spoken loud and clear against the decision to axe the night-time cover and it's up to us to continue the fight on their behalf."

Following the fire authority's decision to provide Windsor cover from Slough between 8pm and 8am, the Royal Borough unanimously passed a motion deploring the move. The council also agreed an action plan that includes Freedom of Information requests for details of fire calls to both Windsor and Slough stations and letters to local MPs and to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to enlist their support. A letter was also sent to the Queen, whose own home in Windsor was badly damaged by fire 1992.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead