IT was great to be able to show my support for local firefighters last week as they spoke to shoppers in Cwmbran about their campaign to save the second engine at Cwmbran fire station, which is currently under threat as part of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Fire Cover Review’ consultation.

As well as the risk to the second appliance at Cwmbran and the jobs of its 17 retained crew, Blaina fire station is also threatened with closure depending on the outcome of the consultation.

When I met the firefighters to discuss the proposals in detail, it was clear they had genuine and deeply held concerns over the ability of the local fire service to cope in the event of major incidents should these proposals go ahead, and as the local AM I’ve pledged to do everything I can to help them with their campaign.

I’ve written to the chief fire officer, who’s agreed to meet me, along with representatives of the Cwmbran firefighters, later this week, and having raised the issue on the floor of the Assembly, the Welsh Government has agreed to make a statement on fire and rescue services, which should also allow me to raise these really important local issues at Assembly level.

The loss of the retained crew at Cwmbran would mean a 50 per cent reduction in local fire cover. Just in the two hours I was standing with the firefighters at Cwmbran Shopping last week they had to drop everything and respond to two call- outs; and the effort and dedication they’re showing in their campaign against the proposals is also testament to their passion and commitment to what they do.

I know that this is an issue that concerns many local residents, and there are lots of things Argus readers can do to support the campaign:

Respond to the Fire Cover Review consultation by the closing date of November 15 by following this link and completing an online questionnaire: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MXFLDCR.

You can also make your views known by writing to: FREEPOST RSAU-CCXG-XKAS, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Unit 2, Forest View Business Park, Llantrisant, Pontyclun, CF72 8LX.

By e mailing: haveyoursay@southwalesfire.gov.uk, or by following South Wales Fire and Rescue on Twitter or Facebook and leaving your comments.

The firefighters are also encouraging people to sign their online petition at: www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/saveoursirens, and you can join the

Save our Sirens – Cwmbran Fire Station Facebook Group to keep up to date with the campaign.