A LETTERS SPECIAL expressing villagers’ views on the threat to Porlock Fire Station is in tomorrow’s Free Press (July 12). Here is the first ...

I have lived in Porlock for many years and have never known such public anger and disquiet as has been caused by the threatened closure of Porlock’s Fire Station.

The service and dedication of the retained volunteer firefighters has always been exemplary.

They are the village’s insurance policy for when the unexpected happens, whether it be a fire, traffic accident, flooding or a medical emergency.

The whole village population, young and old, has come together to fight this insidious proposal.

The chairman of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Sara Randall Johnson, met the parish council at the Fire Station on May 28 and showed us the capabilities of the new fire-fighting vehicle, praising the local brigade for being the best in Devon and Somerset.

At no time did she indicate that Porlock’s fire station could face closure. 

Her own website page states that the fire service prioritises public safety, staff safety, efficiency and effectiveness - and Porlock provides all of these.

Since the fire station opened, the village has expanded with over 300 units of housing being built, and the longevity of the residents makes Porlock the most aged population in the country.

Expecting Porlock and the surrounding villages to be served effectively by crews from Minehead, Williton, Lynton or Dulverton is a false economy because in any emergency when life is at risk, time is of the essence.

I urge all residents to sign the petition, display the posters and attend the public consultation meeting in Porlock Village Hall on Thursday July 25 between 1 pm and 5 pm.

Porlock has fought hard over the last few years to save its library, public toilets and bus service from closure and we are prepared to do the same to retain our fire station and its dedicated crew.

Malcolm McCoy, Chairman, Porlock Parish Council.