Fire chief in water pressure talks

Nov 28 2008 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE’S fire service will make a last-ditch bid to negotiate with water company United Utilities over water pressure before pursuing legal action, it emerged yesterday.

The company has “one last chance” to respond to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority’s concerns, MFRA Lib-Dem leader Eddie Clein said last night.

For over a year, the fire service has been attempting to obtain a response to concerns that low water pressure could lead to failure to protect the people of Merseyside in the event of a large-scale fire.

United Utilities have refused, say they are meeting statutory duties.

On Monday, Chief Fire Officer Tony McGuirk and United Utilities Water Operations Director Gary Dixon will meet to attempt to resolve the conflict.