Madam,

As the recent fire at the Belgrave Hotel, in Aberystwyth, with its tragic consequences was unfolding, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) was able to deploy many key pieces of equipment. These would prevent possible further loss of life, additional injuries and minimise damage to adjoining properties. One of those key pieces was the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) from Llandrindod Wells.

Now, because of Westminster driven austerity cuts, the MWWFRS is planning to remove this vital piece of equipment by taking it out of service when it reaches the end of its operational life and not replacing it.

Should this happen, then we will be joining with our colleagues in Brecon and Radnor, where the appliance is based, our colleagues in Montgomery, where it is frequently deployed, and our sisters and brothers in the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), whose operational effectiveness and ability to protect our communities will be seriously compromised, to campaign vigorously for its replacement.

Yours etc,

Tony Geraghty (chair, Ceredigion Constituency Labour Party); Rachel Seabrook (secretary, Ceredigion Constituency Labour Party), Dinah Mulholland (Labour General Election candidate, 2017); Jon Plumpton (FBU, retired).

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