MSP David Barratt has hailed a recommendation from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as "good news" - as the authority says there should be "no reduction" in appliances at Lochgelly Fire Station.
It had been proposed that there would be substantial cuts to operations at the town's station, including cutting the appliances from two to one, reducing crew capacity, reportedly from 45 to 25, and axing the specialist rope unit.
The proposals were highly unpopular amongst local politicians and a Lochgelly firefighter told The Times last year that the plans were "devastating" and would have an impact on response times.
While the SFRS board will make the final decision next week, Monday's news has been a welcome update to Cowdenbeath MSP David Barratt.
He said: "Good news for Lochgelly Fire Station. I welcome today’s recommendation from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that Lochgelly Fire Station should remain as it is, with no reduction in appliances proposed, while further consideration is given to an alternative proposal.
"In recent weeks, I have met with both union representatives and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officers to discuss local concerns, including again this afternoon ahead of the Board’s decision next week.
"Today’s recommendation reflects the clear strength of feeling from firefighters, union representatives and the community. I want to thank everyone who has engaged constructively and helped make the case for protecting this important local resource."
Last week, Richard Baker MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, reiterated that anything other than scrapping the cuts would be "frankly dangerous".
In a recent letter to SFRS bosses he stressed that public opposition to cuts in Lochgelly is “overwhelming”, and warned that so‑called temporary reductions to fire cover in recent years must be reversed rather than extended.
In less than a year, the area has been forced to respond to some major fires, including on Lochgelly's own Bank Street, and more recently at Ladybank recycling centre.
Both incidents required a large appliance and crew presence and has strengthened the case against reducing resources.
Mr Barratt added: "I will continue to engage with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, staff representatives and local residents to ensure Lochgelly’s role is properly recognised and protected in the long term.
"Our emergency services need the resources, personnel and specialist capabilities required to keep people safe. Today’s news is a welcome step in the right direction."
Richard Baker, MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, said: "I welcome this information and cautiously await the decision of the board. It’s just a recommendation at the moment but it certainly shows fire chiefs listened to local residents who voiced their feelings on the matter loud and clear.
"This is hugely positive for Lochgelly, no mistake. The Fire Brigade Union put up a fantastic community campaign and the community rallied to the cause. They’ve all had my full support since day one. Without them I dread to think where we’d be now. In my mind they left the SDR consultation with only one sensible choice to make. No cuts.
"While this is good news for Lochgelly, it has to be borne in mind that 60 firefighters were cut across Fife in 2023.
"There’s no slack left in the system – recent major incidents have proved that - and I just hope to goodness Lochgelly’s win doesn’t mean alternative cuts elsewhere."
Lochgelly Community Council said that while the recommendation is positive, the group will remain cautious until the final decision has been announced.
The group also said that the campaign was" never about political parties or individuals seeking credit", but acknowledged the support offered by elected representatives.
A spokesperson added: "The foundation of this effort has been the determination of local people, the work of the Lochgelly Fire Station Campaign, the commitment of the FBU and firefighters, and the public meeting & Rally held by Lochgelly Community Council.
"Today’s recommendation is a positive step, but it is not the end of the process. We will continue to work together and remain vigilant until a final decision is made. Whatever the outcome, the people of Lochgelly have demonstrated the strength of a united community standing up for a service that matters, and that achievement belongs to them."
