Over 1,100 people have now taken part in the public consultation to gather feedback from those who live, work and travel in the region about the provision of future of emergency cover in North Wales.

Those who have yet to express their views now have until the end of September to have a say.

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken part in our consultation and to those who have been attending our community engagement events across the region to ask questions and to express their views.

“We are pleased that so many have completed our questionnaire, whether online or on paper, and are getting involved in our consultation process.

“However, we have been listening carefully to what you have said since we launched the consultation on 20 July and we want to ensure that everyone has the best chance possible to record what they think our emergency cover should look like in the future.

“We are conscious that there are still members of the public, local organisations and those who represent others in our communities who are keen to have more time to express their views.

“We have therefore taken the decision to extend the deadline to the end of September.”

Councillor Dylan Rees, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “The response so far is an indication of just how important this consultation is to everyone in North Wales and therefore we want to ensure we as an Authority have the best opportunity possible of understanding your views.

“Your feedback is important – and I urge everyone to make sure to make the most of this opportunity to let us know what you think about the options for providing emergency cover before the Fire Authority makes any final decisions about future provision.

“The more people get involved, the better our prospects of achieving the right balance of services and ensuring that the detailed action plans we develop will deliver exactly what the people of North Wales want.

“I also want to make it clear that both the Chief Fire Officer and I welcome any new ideas on what the future may look like and when it comes to any changes to emergency cover Authority members will consider all the feedback before making a final decision.”

The consultation will now remain open until midnight on 30 September 2023.

Your fire and rescue service – right place, right time, right skills

To take part, please visit www.northwalesfire.gov.wales to complete the questionnaire and to access all the information needed in order to respond to the questions.

You can call or text North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 07787 578 386 if you would prefer a paper copy or an easy read format, or email EmergencyCoverReview@northwalesfire.gov.wales.

You can also attend one of the consultation events being held across North Wales and on line to gather feedback – details can be found by visiting: www.northwalesfire.gov.wales.

There is an assistive toolbar on the website for read aloud functionality, larger text and the ability to view the information in a wide range of additional languages.

Follow North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on social media for updates:

Twitter: @NorthWalesFire

Facebook: @Northwalesfireservice

Or search ‘North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’ on LinkedIn

The final decision will be made by the Fire Authority – details of the decision-making meeting will be available on www.northwalesfire.gov.wales, together with a recording of proceedings.  

After the final decision has been made, any changes to fire and rescue service emergency cover in North Wales would take place in a phased approach, as part of the 2024/28 Community Risk Management Plan.