Oxford News
Firefighters react after council u-turn on station plans
As reported, Oxfordshire County Council has withdrawn proposals to close Eynsham, Woodstock and Henley stations following fiery opposition.
The other plan to replace Kidlington and Rewley Road (Oxford) stations with a new station in North Oxford are now on hold.
For months, the Fire Brigades Union has been arguing that these cuts to the service put lives in danger while urging the council to back down.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “This climbdown on station closures and cuts is a testimony to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.
“A massive vote in favour of strike action by our members made plain the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to the service that threaten the lives of firefighters and the public.
“These proposals would have slashed fire cover across the county, putting lives at risk. Thanks to the determination and unity of our members, those cuts have now been stopped.
“Firefighters’ duty is to protect the public – and that is exactly what our members have done in Oxfordshire.”
The campaign saw widespread support from people and politicians, with firefighters warning that the loss of stations, fire engines and jobs would leave the county dangerously exposed.
Along with the five stations closing, the council proposed the removal of six fire engines and 42 firefighters would lose their jobs.
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The union said the result should serve as a warning to fire and rescue services considering similar cuts.
FBU southern executive council member Chris Wycherley said: “This is a victory built on the strength and determination of firefighters across Oxfordshire.
“From the very beginning, members were clear that these cuts would put their communities at risk and they were prepared to stand together to stop them.
“The level of support from the public has been incredible, and it shows just how valued the fire service is.
“This result proves that when firefighters and communities unite, we can defeat cuts that would put lives in danger.”
Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo added: “There remains a clear challenge with the recruitment and retention of on-call fire fighters, including in Henley which needs to be addressed.
“The consultation process has shone a light on response times in Henley and that they are currently lagging behind other parts of the county.
“We now need to see proposals come forward that enhances and invests in Henley fire station, securing its rightful place as a hub for this very special corner of Oxfordshire.”
Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, said it is “apparent” that people are keen to keep fire stations open.
New proposals due to be put to Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet will include reviewing and adapting recruitment campaigns at Eynsham, Henley and Woodstock.
The aim now is to increase on-call firefighter numbers and to improve fire engine availability, Mr MacDougall said.
Neil Fawcett, cabinet member for resources, added: “The response to the consultation has highlighted how important our fire service is to local communities and the value residents place on the dedication and commitment of crews.”
Thames Valley Police has said they are concerned for the welfare of Ruby-Rose from Headington was last seen just before 5pm.
The force said that she is known to frequent Summertown and parks around Oxford including Boults Lane recreation ground.
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They added that she was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket, white Crocs and blue-stone washed jeans.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Have you seen Ruby‑Rose? The 13‑year‑old, missing from Headington, was last seen at around 4.55pm today.
“Ruby‑Rose is approximately 5ft 4ins tall, of medium build, with shoulder‑length brown hair with red underneath.
“She was last seen wearing blue stone‑washed jeans, a black puffer jacket, and white Crocs.
“Ruby‑Rose is known to frequent Summertown and several parks around Oxford, including Boults Lane recreation ground, and we believe she is travelling by electric bike.
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“We are concerned for Ruby‑Rose’s welfare. If you see her, please call 999 and quote reference number 43260187286.
“Anyone with information about Ruby‑Rose’s whereabouts can make a report via our website.”
Police guidance states a person will not be in trouble with officers when found, and it is not wasting officers’ time to report someone as missing.
You do not have to wait 24 hours to contact police.
Ivy, who is 40-years-old, was last seen on Monday, April 13, at around 11.10am, close to Cowley Road.
Thames Valley Police has said they are “worried about her welfare” and have asked anyone who has seen her to get in touch with them as soon as possible.
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A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said; “Have you seen Ivy? She is 40-years-old and was last seen on Monday morning, around 11.10am, near to Cowley Road.
“She is described as a white woman with a slim build. She has ginger hair with parts dyed black, normally in a ponytail.
“She was last seen wearing a long black coat, pink hooded top with a Lacoste logo on the front of it, jeans with a rip in the left knee and light coloured trainers.
“She frequents the areas of Abingdon and Oxford.
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“We’re worried about her welfare, if you see her or know where she is, please call us on 999 quoting reference 43260182070.”
Police guidance states a person will not be in trouble with officers when found, and it is not wasting officers’ time to report someone as missing.
You do not have to wait 24 hours to contact police.
Thames Valley Police has released new images of Isaac, whose surname has not been released, after he went missing at about 10.30am on Monday April 13.
The latest photos were captured five days ago in Bicester, with the 30-year-old was last seen in the town at 2.25pm.
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He is described as a slim-built white man, about 5ft 10ins with a shaved head and tattoos of a poem and a ribcage on his arm.
He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black skinny jeans and a rucksack.
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are releasing new images of missing Isaac from Aylesbury, captured in Bicester on Monday (April 13).
“The 30-year-old, from Broughton, was last seen in Bicester at 2.25pm on Monday.
“Isaac is white, 5ft 10ins tall, slim, with a shaved head and tattoos of a poem and a ribcage on his arm.
“He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black skinny jeans and a backpack.
“Isaac is known to frequent Aylesbury town centre, Waddesdon and we believe he is now in the Bicester area.
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“We are extremely concerned for Isaac’s welfare.
“If you see Isaac, please call 999. If you have any other information regarding his whereabouts then please call 101, quoting investigation reference number 43260178688.”
Police guidance states a person will not be in trouble with officers when found, and it is not wasting officers’ time to report someone as missing. You do not have to wait 24 hours to contact police.
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