FIRE chiefs in Cheshire have spoken of their confidence in maintaining recent improvements in public safety, despite having to make cuts of just under £1 million in the next financial year.

Members of the Fire Authority were told last week to expect ongoing reductions in their central Government funding and that savings of nearly £5.1 million will be needed over the next four years.

They agreed a new £42 million budget to fund a safer Cheshire for 2016 to 2017 and decided to increase the amount needed from local Council Tax by 1.99 per cent.

This means that the charge for a Band D home will be £71.86 – an increase of 2.7p a week or £1.40 a year.

“We know these are difficult times for many families but this small increase combined with the major savings we have made are essential to ensure we can continue to provide communities across Cheshire with a first class fire and rescue service in the future,” said Fire Authority chairman Cllr John Joyce.

At the meeting a major capital programme was also approved which includes funding the £17.5 million cost of four new stations and a safety centre from grants and reserves, without the need to take out loans.

One new station at Alsager opened late last year while work is now underway on sites in Penketh and Powey Lane near the M56, with construction on a new response hub and safety centre in Lymm starting next month.

Other key projects in the capital programme include spending £814,000 on new cutting gear used by crews to rescue people from road traffic collisions and £154,000 to replace two boats, trailers and vehicles which respond to floods and water rescues.

It will also cost £76,000 to replace and upgrade defibrillators on all fire engines.

Chief fire officer Paul Hancock added: “I am delighted that despite the fact the authority is facing ongoing financial cuts, it has still agreed to invest in our frontline response and instead of closing stations, fund more.

“There are still big challenges ahead but the commitment to protecting local communities, reducing risk and maintaining firefighters’ safety is paramount.

"That is ensuring that the overall number of fires in Cheshire continues to decline while injuries in accidental house fires remain at their lowest ever level.”