The Firefighters' union has responded to proposals to axe firefighters and stations in North Wales

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service announced proposals to cut firefighters and fire engines.

One proposal would see the closure of Abersoch, Beaumaris, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy and Llanberis fire stations, with a total loss of 36 full-time firefighters and 38 on-call firefighters.

The Fire and Rescue Authority meeting held on July 17, heard that in 2021 the service was asked to review how it responds to emergency calls.

In large parts of North Wales, emergency cover is provided by on-call firefighters, who are not full-time.

During the meeting, authority members were told there have been problems over the availability of on-call firefighters during the day.

Three options were put to members in an attempt to resolve the shortages, with a public consultation launched to gauge the public's view.

Responding to the proposals, Cerith Griffiths, FBU Executive Council member for Wales said: “Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs have gone, at least 450 of them in Wales. Firefighters are already stretched close to breaking point working to keep our communities safe.

“After a decade of brutal cuts, and with extreme weather events becoming more common, we desperately need investment.

“But all three of the service’s proposals amount to more cuts. Our local authority shouldn’t be choosing between three different ways to put the public at risk.

“Local FBU officials and members have already met and a campaign to defend jobs and public safety is underway. We expect widespread public and political support.”