§ Mr. Eric Pickles (Brentwood and Ongar)(Con)I wish to present a petition in the name of constituents who are concerned about the possible removal of a full-time fire station at Ongar and its replacement with a part-time fire station. My constituents are particularly concerned because Ongar fire ground is the largest in Essex, and they are concerned about the level of coverage.
Some 5,506 constituents, covering all age groups, have signed the petition. I was particularly impressed by the collection organised by the pupils of Chipping Ongar primary school.
The petition states:
The Petition of residents of the Parliamentary constituency of Brentwood and Ongar and areas served by the Ongar Fire Station
Declares that they are concerned that our local Fire Station's status will be changed from full time to part time.
The Petitioners therefore request that this House of Commons brings this concern to the attention of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and ask him to use his good services to prevail upon the Essex Fire Service to review their proposals.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.