Hertfordshire’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has announced he has pulled the plug on plans to take over Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Labour have campaigned against the closure of Fire Stations in Welwyn Hatfield since 2014, and last month over 130 concerned residents attended a public meeting in Hatfield where the PCC’s plans were discussed and condemned unanimously.

While this is welcome news, it is clear that all emergency services in Hertfordshire are struggling due to Conservative imposed cutbacks that have been taking place for years, and are set to continue.

While Hertfordshire’s Fire Service will remain within the control of Hertfordshire County Council rather than the PCC, this Conservative Council has made cuts of over £290 Million pounds since 2010, with more to come. Policing levels have reduced while crime is on the rise and our ambulance service is rated as ‘failing to meet legal requirements’.

It doesn’t matter who you vote for or who you are – we all rely on these lifeline services to keep us safe.

Labour will continue to fight for everyone as we call for an immediate halt to all emergency service cutbacks.