To the residents of Budleigh Salterton: if your house were on fire, do you really want to be trapped with little chance of rescue in time to save your life?

To the residents of Budleigh Salterton: if your house were on fire, do you really want to be trapped with little chance of rescue in time to save your life?

This could become a reality if Budleigh Salterton fire station were to close. Fire cover for Budleigh Salterton would have to come from Exmouth but, if Exmouth are out on a call, fire cover would have to come from Sidmouth or Topsham. How long would this take (too long)? If Sidmouth and Topsham are out on a call then you don't need me to point out what the reality would be.

As regards to the manning levels at Budleigh Salterton and the claim that Exmouth respond quicker than Budleigh. Budleigh has no manning problems, there are 13 firefighters and two new recruits in the pipeline. Budleigh firefighters are highly-trained professionals, their dedication and commitment to our community here in Budleigh Salterton and surrounding areas should not go unsupported.

With regard to the claim that Budleigh response is slow, which I do not believe is true but, if it is, then it is solely due to bad management or is there more to this than meets the eye?

A fire service source, who did not want to be named, said Exmouth and Topsham are also on the list of cuts.

Topsham may lose their second appliance.

Exmouth may have cuts to their full-time fire cover. Full-time firefighters would be cut to day manning only and nights would be covered by retained firefighters.

Mr Carroll,

Shortwood Close,

Budleigh Salterton.