Herm fears for future of its fire service with review of retained staff

LOSING Herm's retained firemen would increase the response time to a major incident, the island's director has said.

Jonathan Watson was speaking after the Fire and Rescue Service announced it was reviewing whether its retained firefighters were needed, as part of a wider cost-cutting plan.

'We sincerely hope that Herm doesn't lose our retained fire service. Although response times in Guernsey are very good, three miles of water to cross to Herm is going to make all the difference.'

He said that was especially if the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning.

'We are wholly hopeful that we won't lose our retained fire team and that we will continue to work with the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service,' he added.