FIREFIGHTERS in South Gloucestershire have criticised the Avon Fire Authority for prioritising spending cuts over public safety as they axe more than 50 jobs.

The Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) which was voted in by the authority last Friday, aim to save Avon Fire and Rescue Service £5million a year until 2020.

However, the plans would see 49 jobs cut, as well as big changes at Yate Fire Station changing its operating pattern, with full-time crews working in the day and on-call firefighters being retained overnight.

Following opposition from residents, town councillors and the Fire Brigade Union (FBU), who claimed the change would be irresponsible as it reduced protection in the area, alterations were made to the plan to accommodate two on-call crews overnight, rather than one.

The U-turn however means that two more full-time firefighter positions would be cut, pushing the number to 51.

Representatives of the FBU have said that the authority has failed to adequately plan for fire risks in the plan, adding that the service would look “very different” if the priority was purely about safeguarding the public.

Gary Spindler, the union’s chairman for the Avon service, said: “It is clear that these plans have been used to try and balance the books instead of looking at the best ways to minimise risks in order to keep the public safe.

“It is the polar opposite of how IRMPs are intended to be used.

“The plan would look very different without the planned budget cuts imposed by central government on Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

“These further cuts will mean a slower response to any incident in the Yate area during the night, something that will increase the risk to both the public and firefighters.

“The FBU in Avon will continue to fight against these decisions and urge the authority to reconsider these dangerous moves.”

The budget cut comes as fire minister Brandon Lewis announced an investigation into Avon Fire and Rescue Service over claims of bullying - which could cost up to £1M.

Mr Spindler criticised the use of tax payers money on the government instigated inspection at the cost of frontline firefighters.

He said: “We believe the public will see that as a disgraceful and immoral use of their money.”