Plans to cut or reduce fire services in Somerset have been branded “ridiculous” and “dire” by Somerset County Council.
Possible changes include Porlock station closing and reduced cover in Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil.
Councillors also said the plans had “limited detail” and did not consider the impact on deprived areas, or the growing and ageing population.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it needed to “adapt to our ever-changing population”.
At Somerset County Council’s latest scrutiny committee meeting last week, Conservative Brent Knoll councillor Bob Filmer said the changes could increase the risk at tourist hotspots, including Berrow and Brean.
“The risks they face if they do not have adequate fire cover are dire,” he said.
Liberal Democrat councillor Tessa Munt – who is Burnham’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the party, added that her constituents in Wells had no confidence in the proposals, which would see one of the city’s two fire engines reduced to night cover only.
Independent John Hunt said it was “ridiculous” to deprive Taunton of one of its three fire engines given the large amount of new housing developments in the area.
The council also said the way the consultation was laid out “appears to lead the reader’s thinking, has limited detail and does not allow for innovative thinking”.
It said it wanted to work with the service to improve fire prevention, including by encouraging people to stop smoking.
The fire service consultation concludes today (Sunday).
