BLAENAU Gwent AM Alun Davies has pleaded with members of the fire authority not to close Blaina fire station ahead of its crunch meeting next week.

Plans to shut Blaina fire station as part of a fire cover review by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) led to a petition of more than 4,000 signatures being handed in to the authority against the closure.

Campaigners were backed by the AM who has since met fire officials urging them to consider a range of alternatives to closure.

Mr Davies asked Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway to look at sharing facilities with other 999 services or merging stations in a bid to save money to keep Blaina open.

Earlier this month Blaenau Gwent Council rejected the proposal to close the station, but on Monday members of the fire authority will meet once again when it is understood the final decision will be made. A report recommends that despite the issues raised and the overwhelming strength of feeling, it should still be closed.

Mr Davies said: “I am bitterly disappointed that SWFRS is still pushing ahead with its recommendation. I do not accept the stance that the closure of Blaina will not result in increased fatalities when we have had examples since closure was first mooted of Blaina firefighters being the first on scene and saving lives.

“SWFRS says losing the station will result in a two-and-a-half minute increase to response times. How can you say it will not put people’s lives at risk?”