I CAN understand the frustrations and concern expressed in Richard Duncan’s letter of 20 September regarding changes to fire service provision in Inverclyde, but I am not sure that his anger at councillors is justified.

Here is my response to his email of August 21 (received at 7.20pm), which was sent on August 22 (at 9.52am):

“Thanks for your email, Richard.

Following a meeting with the FBU in June I arranged for them to brief all elected members on their concerns about the proposed changes at Greenock. With the agreement of the Chair of the Local Police and Fire Scrutiny Panel, Councillor David Wilson, a special meeting was called on 4 July to consider the proposals, at which Mr McCarrey and his colleagues were subject to robust scrutiny. At my request, the Chair of the Panel subsequently write to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board Chair to raise our concerns and seek assurance that we would be consulted on any permanent proposed changes. The council’s Scrutiny Panel will continue to robustly scrutinise local service delivery and will respond to any national consultation in due course.

Individual councillors have attended a public meeting and a rally organised by the FBU. I and others have signed the petition. Some have visited the fire station to meet with the FBU and management. Others have written to the public safety minister in the Scottish Government. Members will no doubt continue to support the FBU campaign over the coming weeks and months.

Fundamentally however the responsibility and accountability for these changes’ rests with the national service management and board and with the Scottish Government. I would encourage you, if you have not already done so, to raise your concerns with your Member of the Scottish Parliament Stuart McMillan.

I have copied in the council’s chief executive Louise Long, so she is aware of your request. I have also copied in Ruth Binks, the council director who supports the scrutiny panel.”

Next week the full council will have a further opportunity to express its opposition to cuts to the fire service when we debate a motion from independent councillor Tommy McVey, which will be seconded by Labour councillor Francesca Brennan.

Mr Duncan should be under no illusion that all councillors in Inverclyde share his concerns. However, the responsibility and accountability for any cuts to the Fire Service rests elsewhere.

Councillor Stephen McCabe

Leader of the Council

Elected Member Inverclyde East (Ward 1)