Councillor Steve Swift

In early 2007 upgrades to bus stops were to be implemented to the three drop off/pick up locations on Valley View Drive, which included 'bus friendly kerbs' to provide easier access for wheelchair users and parents with young children and pushchairs, a bus shelter and other improvements.

Unfortunately this scheme came to a halt with work only partially completed to one of the stops when the local bus company withdrew its service.

However with a new service in place, supported by North Lincolnshire Council, these improvements are earmarked to be completed subject to positive feedback through consultation.

A meeting of Humberside Fire Authority today voted by twelve votes to seven, with two abstensions, to reject proposals to close down Kirton Fire Station.

The Authority also took a similar approach to the Hull Central, Immingham and Waltham stations with votes to retain them being successful. 

Unfortunately Goole did not have the same success after members voted in equal numbers (nine each with three abstensions) to retain the station as it is and to downgrade as per the recommendations. The Chair then used her 'casting vote' to support the downgrade.

The recommendation to close Sledmere went ahead.

As a member of the Authority I voted to keep Kirton, Hull Central, Immingham, Waltham and Goole but went along with the closure of Sledmere.

The decisions follow months of uncetainty and lengthy consultation attracting thousands of responses.