The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss updates on the Wheat Street development in Nuneaton and the Resourcing to Risk programme for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS). The committee reviewed the financial aspects of the Wheat Street development, and heard that the Resourcing to Risk programme is largely on track, with improvements seen in response times and resource availability.

Resourcing to Risk Programme Update

Councillor Dale Bridgewater, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue and Community Safety, provided an update on the Resourcing to Risk programme, which aims to ensure fire engines and crews are appropriately positioned to respond to emergencies. The committee was informed that 73% of the programme's tasks are complete, with most projects on track.

Key points from the update:

• Improved Response Times: Average response times have decreased, with September recording the lowest average at 7 minutes 9 seconds. October's average was 8 minutes 19 seconds.
• Increased Appliance Availability: Daytime appliance availability has increased from 10.9 to 12.4, while night-time availability has slightly decreased to 13.8 as part of the new model.
• Recruitment: Recruitment is progressing well, with new pathways in place to fill gaps.
• Financial Management: The programme is staying within budget, with risks being managed carefully.
• Coleshill Fire Station: Building works at Coleshill Fire Station were delayed, but are now complete and had no impact on performance.
• Data: The committee recognised that the data presented was limited and that more data was needed over a longer time frame to fully assess the impact of the programme.

Councillor Cliff Brown raised concerns about variations in response times in South Warwickshire, and requested more detailed information to reassure residents that they are not at risk.

Ben Brook, Chief Fire Officer, clarified that the figures presented compared October against the average for the previous five years. He also noted that the team analyses outliers to understand incidents with longer response times, which often involve incidents on roadways.

Councillor Keith Kondakor requested data on second appliance attendance times and suggested including an 85% quartile figure in future reports to better represent the range of response times. He also referenced a call out that took 45 minutes, and asked for more information.

Councillor Sarah Boad requested that future information be broken down by district to identify areas where response times are longer.

Mr Brook confirmed that the team analyses every incident that takes longer to get to, and that an annual report would be produced.

Councillor Brown raised concerns about geography, particularly the River Avon, hindering response times in the west of Warwickshire. He also noted the difficulty in recruiting on-call firefighters who can meet the five-minute response time due to the river.

Councillor Bridgewater noted that while response times are important, prevention and protection work are also crucial, especially in areas with longer response times due to geography.

The committee requested that the presentation be attached to the meeting minutes.

Wheat Street Nuneaton Development

David Ayton-Hill, Director of Economy and Place, provided an overview of the Transforming Nuneaton highways development scheme, focusing on financial considerations. He explained that the Wheat Street scheme is part of a larger programme to regenerate Nuneaton town centre, stimulate investment, and improve connectivity.

Key points discussed:

• Transforming Nuneaton: The programme is a partnership between the borough council and county council, with around £100 million of investment secured through various funds.
• Highway Improvement Programme: This is required due to significant housing growth to the north of the town centre, which increases traffic and necessitates junction improvements to relieve congestion.
• Scheme Evolution: The scheme has evolved over time, with changes made to accommodate Dunelm, a major retailer, and to reflect the commercial viability of different development options.
• Vicarage Street Development: This includes a new library, business centre, and residential development, with construction expected to start in summer 2026.
• Leicester Road/Bond Gate Gyratory: This scheme aims to improve traffic flow, support the Vicarage Street regeneration site, and enhance connectivity between the train station and town centre.
• Costs and Risks: The Wheat Street budget is around £5.7 million with a contingency of just under £1 million, while the Leicester Road scheme has a budget of £16.5 million with a contingency of just under £2.5 million. The biggest risks include land acquisition and tender prices.

Margaret Smith from the transport planning team explained the design of the scheme, highlighting how it aims to improve traffic flow, enhance connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians, and improve the public realm.

Councillor Cliff Brown expressed concern that the business case for the Wheat Street part of the project no longer made economic sense after commercial development plans were scaled back. He also questioned the value for money of the scheme, given changes to the original plans.

Mr Ayton-Hill clarified that the cost changes were due to the redesign of the scheme to avoid relocating Dunelm, which reduced land acquisition costs. He also explained that the housing development was considered the most commercially viable option for the site.

Councillor Keith Kondakor raised concerns about the loss of parking spaces and suggested prioritising the railway station entrance to improve traffic flow.

Apology

Councillor David Curtis apologised to Councillor Michael Bannister for mistakenly attributing disrespectful comments to him at a previous meeting. Councillor Bannister accepted the apology.