Local MP plays politics with Fire Station

Right to Reply: Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Replies to Mike O'Brien MP Attack Article

Sir

It is depressing to see that local MP Mike O'Brien has once again used his political column to launch a negative Party political attack (Nuneaton News, 22 September 2009).

What is particularly sad is that he has chosen to break a clear local consensus over Bedworth Fire Station, and is apparently seeking to make personal political gain from the situation. Shame on him.

Mr O'Brien knows full well that this is not a Party political issue. Myself, Marcus Jones and the Leader of Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council Peter Gilbert are firmly opposed to any plan to close Bedworth Fire Station, and on Saturday we had over 1000 signatures for our petition in a matter of hours. Local Conservatives are opposed to this plan, and we are working with the grassroots campaign group led by the wife of a local retained firefighter in a non-party political way to co-ordinate our campaigns.

Mr O'Brien also knows full well that this is a recommendation TO the County Council from the (non-political) Chief Fire Officer, as a result of pressure from Mr O'Brien's own Government. There is currently a public consultation under way after which County Councillors will need to decide whether to accept or reject his recommendations.

From now until the final day of the public consultation, I will be devoting all of my efforts to persuading the County Council to reject the Chief Fire Officer's proposals. Unlike our MP I will not be wasting time playing political games with our Fire Station.

Mr O'Brien can continue to use his time and effort to seek personal political advantage from the Chief Fire Officer's proposal if he chooses. Or he can join us in trying to save Bedworth Fire Station.

Meanwhile I would urge everybody who has not yet done so to write to the Chief Fire Officer to object to this plan, and to join the non-political facebook group "Stop Bedworth Fire Station From Shutting Down."

Dan Byles

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate

for North Warwickshire & Bedworth