THE public is being invited to have its say on the future of the fire service in Essex.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has to operate with £10 million less next year.

Fire bosses have come up with three options, all of which will result in less fire engines and firefighters.

Residents are being asked to pick a preference during a 12 week consultation which began yesterday. 

Option one involves losing 177 firefighters, one of the fire engines being removed from seven stations and reducing the amount of time two fire stations are fully manned.

It would also involve a small council tax rise. It would save £8.6million.

Option two involves losing 111 firefighters, removing a fire engine from five stations and reducing the amount of time Clacton fire station is fully manned. It would save £6.4million but require a bigger council tax rise.

Option three involves losing 204 firefighters, losing seven fire engines and reducing the amount of time Brentwood Fire Station is fully manned. It would give the service the £10million savings with no council tax increase.

The fire service is also investing £3 million to improve fire prevention and protection across the county.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Adam Eckley said: “This consultation will shape the future role of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service as we prepare for the future.

“There is now a 12 week window for everyone in the Essex, Southend and Thurrock to have their say on our plans and let us know what they think. I would encourage everyone to get involved and make their voice heard.”

Essex Fire Brigades’ Union claim all options put lives at risk.

Chairman Riccardo la Torre said: “Ultimately this will mean fire engines will get to places slower.

“That can make the difference between us rescuing someone and us not rescuing someone.

“We need to protect the frontline either by re-directing funds from other places or creating revenue from council tax.

“Essex is second only to London in the amount of rescues we make and we believe any change is dangerous.”

To have your say visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk or e-mail consultation.2020@essex-fire.gov.uk.

Residents can also call 0300 303 0080 or write to ECFRS 2020 Programme, Freepost, Kelvedon Park, London Road, Kelvedon, Essex, CM8 3HB.

Exhibitions are being held across the county at libraries including in Colchester on February 23 from 1pm to 6pm.