Public urged to have their say on fire safety plan

There is still time for people to to have their say about Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority’s proposed new Community Safety Plan.

A 12-week public consultation was launched in February and will close at 9am on Friday 3 May. The authority will then consider the responses at its meeting in June before the final version is adopted.

The Community Safety Plan underpins everything that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service does, and it sets out the priorities and challenges from now until 2028.

As well as considering how the service responds to emergencies, the plan explores options in other areas, including prevention, protection, governance and people.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “Public sector finances are under extreme pressure, so it is vital that we look at all parts of the Service to ensure that we are working as efficiently and as effectively as possible.

"The Community Safety Plan details how we intend to continue working, but also what we intend to review and do differently to meet and reduce the risks we face as an organisation.”

Cllr Rebecca Knox, chair of the authority, said: “The Community Safety Plan is our ‘roadmap’ for the coming years, so the views of people from across our communities are essential. Whether you are a resident, a local business, a partner, a voluntary group or a charity, we would very much like to hear from you.”

A copy of the draft plan, a summary video and details on how to give views – including an online form – can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/draft-csp-2024-28-consultation