A rally to protest against plans to downgrade fire stations in Pembrokeshire is to take place tomorrow (Saturday).

The march comes after a meeting was held last Wednesday at Milford Haven Town Hall to discuss proposals put forward by the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, to downgrade stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock, in terms of manning and reducing provision of specialist appliances.

The rally will see protesters set off from outside Haverfodwest fire station at 1 pm, marching to the town council offices in Picton Place, where a petition against the plans will be handed to the town's Mayor, Clr. Rev. Christopher Gillham.

Last week's meeting, chaired by the Mayor of Milford, saw former senior divisional officer and area commander for Pembrokeshire, Mike George QGM, now a member of Milford Haven Town Council, voice his concerns on the matter.

Clr. George urged other representatives of town and community councils from around the county who attended discussions to unite and stand against the plans, which could see a knock-on effect on resources for smaller stations in the county.

"Far from increasing public safety, the authority's plans, if implemented, will expose the communities of Pembrokeshire to far greater potential for harm because of the reduced speed and weight of attendance," said Clr. George, speaking of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority's document entitled 'Making our Community Safer'.

"The fire authority's 'Draft Risk Reduction Plan 2007 - 2010' does not sit comfortably, nor does it enjoy the support of the communities here in Pembrokeshire.

"On that basis we resolve to reject those aspects of the plan that downgrade or reduce firefighting capabilities," added Clr. George.