WITH just one week to go before the end of the public consultation period on draft proposals which could see an end to full-time night-time and weekend cover at Haslemere Fire Station, the town council has unanimously opposed the scheme.

In a letter to Surrey's chief fire officer, Steve Myers, Haslemere Town Council told him in no uncertain terms that it was "of the unanimous opinion that the suggested changes will result in a degraded service to the town".

The council also considers that "the people of Haslemere and the surrounding areas will be at serious risk if such plans were implemented.

"We therefore oppose the proposals put forward," said the letter, copies of which have been circulated to Haslemere's county councillor Christine Stevens and Haslemere Fire Station.

The letter reprimanded Mr Myers for "failing to mention the loss of full-time cover at weekends, day, and night" at a presentation to the town council last November. It also expressed its concerns over a number of other issues relating to the proposals.

They include the historic problems in Haslemere of recruiting retained or part-time firefighters, a disparity in call-out figures and the possible need for full-time cover during the construction and after completion of the A3 tunnel.

They are also concerned about cross- border call-outs to nearby West Sussex and Hampshire emergencies, as well as to other areas close to Haslemere.

If the measures go through, Haslemere fire station will be manned by full-time firefighters during the day with retained or part-time fire crews responding to emergency calls at night.

Town councillors heard at their meeting last week that as part of the plan there will more emphasis on fire prevention, particularly on child education, to discourage arson.

"I've been opposed to these plans right from the start," said Michael Biddiscombe.

"If they get rid of full-time crew at night it will take extra time for the appliance to arrive somewhere in the area. This means more damage to the house and even worse, the people in it."

James Mackie agreed: "We've been told by Surrey County Council that this isn't a cost-cutting exercise, but if it doesn't save costs, what's the point of it anyway.

"Haslemere fire service is fine as it is. The way I see it is if the thing ain't broke, why fix it?"

Barbara Jeffers said: "I'm very alarmed about recruitment of retained officers.

"The assumption that they will be able to recruit up to 20 new officers is difficult to believe."

Stephen Mulliner agreed: "Working habits have changed so much now.

"It's less likely that employers will accommodate their workers having time off to do this kind of work."

As pressure grows to call a halt to the Haslemere proposals, more than 2,000 postcards have been handed out to local people by Haslemere firefighters.

They outline the reasons why the fire station should remain fully staffed night and day and local people are asked to sign them and send them to the leader of SCC, Nick Skellett, and local MP Virginia Bottomley.

The prospective parliamentary candidate for South West Surrey, Jeremy Hunt, who organised a well-attended public meeting about the proposals before Christmas, said he would be discussing the proposed modernisation plans with Mr Skellett.

"Christine Stevens and I will be telling him of the grave concern people in Haslemere have about the planned changes. The overwhelming majority of people are convinced that the move to an on-call service at night and weekends will reduce response times,"said Mr Hunt.

Surrey Fire and Rescue also welcomes views on what it describes as its improvement plans for the fire and rescue service.

Mr Meyers said: "We are pleased with the feedback provided so far."

• Anyone wishing to comment on the draft plans should do so before the deadline on Saturday, January 31 to IRMP Project Team, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, St Davids, 70 Wray Park Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 8EY.