ELLESMERE Port MP Justin Madders has branded the decision to remove the town's dedicated second fire engine as "disgraceful" and "outrageous".

The controversial move, which has seen Chester regain its second fire engine, was given the go-ahead by Cheshire Fire Authority yesterday (July 1).

Members heard the plans would not see the total number of fire engines or firefighters reduced in west Cheshire, aimed to "balance fire cover" across the region, and would see the number of fire engines stationed at Chester increased to two.

The meeting also heard it would still allow fire crews to attend incidents in both Chester and Ellesmere Port "within 10 minutes".

But the plans had caused an outcry in Ellesmere Port, with 4,000 residents signing a petition to keep the second fire engine stationed in the town.

Mr Madders said today: "This is a disgraceful decision that I fear will come back to haunt the fire authority. It is quite clear that this decision was made some time ago and the meeting and the consultation were just about rubber stamping that.

"The fire authority have ignored the views of the 4,000 people who signed the petition and the wishes of the people of Ellesmere Port. The consultation process should have been halted when the coronavirus lockdown started but the decision to carry on even then says to me there was nothing that was going to dissuade them from making this outrageous decision.

"There was no mention of the huge increase in development in the area which has recently happened and is due to take place over the next few years nor the concentration of higher risk industries in the area.

"I would like to thank all those who have signed the petition and I am sorry that on this occasion your voice has not been heard."

The Cheshire Fire Authority meeting heard if the current fire engine distribution was maintained, three engines could be deployed within 10 minutes to parts of Ellesmere Port, but only one fire engine in that timeframe to parts of Chester.

For Chester, several stakeholders provided a response in support of providing two fire engines in Chester, including Chris Matheson MP; Chester Retired Firefighters; Chester Racecourse; Chester Residents Associations Group and four Cheshire West and Chester councillors representing wards within Chester.

Feedback highlighted heritage risks, the population size and density within Chester and the importance of the City as a visitor attraction to the wider economy.

The plans were given the go-ahead by Cheshire Fire Authority members, with none voting against.