Brean Parish Council

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has started a consultation with options to change how it respond to automatic fire alarms. 

The following message from our Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Ellis provides the context as to why it is considering changes:

‘Last year, our crews responded to an average of 16 false alarms every day due to automatic fire alarms, placing an unnecessary burden on the Service’s resources and our ability to be ready and available for genuine emergencies.  

In the last five years, we have been alerted to more than 55,000 automatic fire alarms, out of which just 42 needed the hose reel jet from one of our fire engines, which is less than 0.08%.’

We’re looking at how we can reduce the number of automatic fire alarms we attend to make our Service more efficient, and make sure our firefighters are able to respond to genuine emergencies.

More detailed information about the consultation, and a link to a public survey for feedback, is available on our website www.dsfire.gov.uk/about-us/AFA-consultation. There will also be opportunities to question and answer events.

We want to make absolutely clear to our communities that any change is only in our response to an automatic alert and we will always attend if someone has reported a sign of fire. We will also always attend single domestic properties, such as houses, or where there is a known night-time sleeping risk. We also have a number of high risk buildings where we will also maintain a response. Details of these can be found in our consultation document.

Somerset Council will be resurfacing a busy roundabout at the junction of the B3140 and Love Lane in Burnham-on-Sea. 

The Council’s contractor Heidelberg Materials will be doing the work during the evening from 21-28 January, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm on week days only. The road will be closed during these times. It will be open all other times. 

Access to Tesco and other business will be maintained throughout. 

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “These are important repairs on a key route in Burnham-on-Sea. 

“Our team is doing this work out of peak hours to minimise disruption on this busy road. We are extremely grateful to residents and road users for their support and understanding while this work is done.” 

If you spot a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily here: Report a problem on the road. 

Follow @Travelsomerset on Facebook and X for travel updates and other news. 

Temporary Road Closure: ttro664992N - Parsonage Road and Pinnockscroft, Berrow

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=140869260 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_140869260_3823734_0f004a01ab.pdf          

The order becomes effective on 07th January 2025 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

The works are expected to commence on 15th January 2025 and last for 3 days to enable Dunmore SW to raise, renew or replace frame and cover on behalf of Openreach. 

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion.

For any further information about this closure please contact FreeFlow TM on 0797 114 2611, quoting reference: ttro664992N.

Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, you will need to register for free with www.One.Network