FIRE bosses paved the way for up to 36 job losses as part of measures to combat forecast Government funding cuts.
At a special meeting in Caernarfon this week members of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority considered budget options with news that the amount of Government money is reducing.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s revenue budget has been frozen at £32 million until March 2014, which means that in cash terms, savings of £2.4 million are needed.
Cllr Sharon Frobisher, Chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “These are difficult times but we are committed to delivering the highest possible emergency response standards and prevention programmes. Public safety is paramount and our priority is to minimise any impact on the level of services provided by the fire and rescue service.”
Bosses, who have already achieved savings by reducing the number of managerial posts, working more with other emergency services, discussed the options for achieving further reductions.
Options include employing fewer firefighters or closing some stations in less busy areas.
Members voted to avoid closures and introduce rostering of crews; a move which will be phased in over the next two years and would see between 22 and 36 fewer firefighter jobs axed.
Cllr Frobisher added: “This has not been an easy decision for the authority and we have spent months researching, examining and discussing the different options for change and the different challenges and risks associated with each of them.
“What is certain is that it is the best decision that could be taken in the current financial climate and it ensures public safety remains firmly at the top of the fire and rescue service agenda.”