Worthing fire chief grilled over views on cuts

Roy Barraclough, Worthing fire station manager and Worthing and Lancing district commander, was invited to join the Stop Cuts to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) page on the social media site. However, declined, citing ‘differing views’ to Tony Morris, the creator of the group.

Mr Barraclough, who has been part of the service for 35 years, said he would prefer not to see cuts but that changes in society meant the service had to adapt accordingly.

He said: “I totally respect their views. It’s a difficult time. They remember the service as it was an awful lot of years ago.

“I’m very passionate about the future of the fire service. I don’t want to see cuts either, but that is the hand we’ve been dealt.

“People like to be quite vocal on Facebook. I’m not taking offence at those comments. They are being passionate about what they believe in and I’m glad they are in that respect. It’s really important we get some public feedback and debate about this.”

For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, Thursday, September 11.