Members of the public are being urged to give their views on the West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Last year, the old national standards on the location of fire stations, fire fighters and fire engines were withdrawn throughout the UK in line with Government policy and replaced by an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP).

Said Martin Burrell , County Fire Officer: "The purpose of the Plan is to put people first and not property.

"The old standards dated back to 1936 and based fire cover on properties rather than people.

"For example, under the old standards town centre areas attracted more fire fighters and fire engines than surrounding residential areas.

"However, more people are killed and injured in fires in their own homes – the Plan seeks to address this imbalance.

"To do this the West Sussex Fire and Rescue service is placing more emphasis on preventing fires and other emergencies."

The IRMP sets out service objectives up to 2009 and each year there will be an annual action plan.

The second action plan is now being consulted on and is available to view on the service website www.westsussex.gov.uk . There is also a facility for you to fill in a questionnaire on line.

If you do not have access to the internet, phone for the questionnaire and further information.

David Dewdney , West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "It is important that people take this opportunity to comment on the plan.

"It is through their involvement that the West Sussex Fire and Rescue will achieve its aim of making West Sussex a safer place."

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