Fears for the future of the fire service in Narberth have been voiced this week. The concern follows the possible introduction of a new 'phased alerting' system which could see less fire crew cover on call-outs. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are planning and preparing to introduce the alerting system which would mean that at any one time only half of the crew at the town's fire station would be called to respond to an incident. The current system sees part -time firefighters on call 24/7, and alerted from their home or work place via a pager to respond to a call if they are available. However, if the new system is introduced, it would see less fire crew cover alerted to a call-out, putting the town's fire service in jeopardy, as there is already a struggle to ensure a sufficient number of firefighters to form a crew. "This is a very serious matter and has left myself fearing for the future of the fire service in the town," said county councillor and member of Narberth Town Council, Wynne Evans, when the matter was brought to his attention this week. "It would appear this phased alerting would mean that if all men on that shift were not available or working at their full-time jobs outside Narberth, crews attending a shout would not be fully manned. "Narberth station is very busy and they often handle many calls, which include a large number of road traffic accidents on the A40 road," continued Clr. Evans, who now fears that a number of the station's firefighters may consider leaving the service as they would receive far less remuneration for doing less hours. "I along with fellow county councillors will be putting the question to the fire authority, whether this new form of alerting system is a cost effective plan or yet another cost cutting measure in an area that should be increased rather than cut," stated Clr. Evans.
