Further to the recent correspondence about the proposed cuts to the Devon and Somerset Fire Service, it is shocking that climate change is not one of the factors taken in to account by the fire service when making its recommendations.

West Somerset, especially Porlock, is highly vulnerable to flooding from rising sea levels, and Exmoor National Park will be at risk from increasing wildfires as climate change advances.

Most local authorities are now including climate change in their policy-making and public services should be doing the same.

It is not on to claim that some of these functions are not statutory as there is no other service available in critical situations, especially in remote areas.

West Somerset Labour Party supports the Fire Brigade Union and local residents in their demand to retain these essential services, which will lost forever if not prevented now.

The Fire Brigade Union has a petition people can sign at www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/search?q=devon+and+somerset

Maureen Smith, Chairman, West Somerset Labour Party.