Prospective MP Andrew Percy has condemned the decision by Councillors on the Humberside Fire Authority to downgrade Goole Fire Station from 2 full-time to 1 full-time and 1 retained pump.

Andrew Percy says, "Despite the best efforts of an alliance of Conservative and Labour Councillors from North and North East Lincolnshire, Councillors from the East Riding decided to vote en bloc to support the downgrading of Goole.

We have been stabbed in the back by the very Councillors who should have been looking out for our interests. Although these proposals were driven by Labour Government change, there was no reason for the Fire Authority to let this downgrading go through. I condemn the Councillors of varying parties from the East Riding who have supported these cuts and I hope the electorate will hold them accountable for their decision in due course.

Brigg and Goole Conservative Councillor John Briggs opposed the downgrading of Goole and successfully moved a motion to save Kirton Lindsey Fire Station from closure. Whilst I am delighted that Kirton has been saved we must continue the battle for Goole.

The cuts to Goole can only go ahead if the Fire Brigade can recruit enough retained firefighters to crew the retained pump. Let us hope that that does not happen and that the Fire Authority is forced to look again at Goole.

I will be continuing to work with the FBU and politicians of all parties locally to carry on the fight for Goole."

Photo: Andrew addressing the 'No Fire Cuts' rally earlier this year

It's been a very very busy week across the constituency. I seem to be getting invited to more and more events and meetings. Many people seem to be of the view that there is definitely going to be a change at the next election and as such are keen to meet with the Conservatives.

Today I met with a group of GPs in the constituency who have a number of concerns, not least about polyclinics which, whatever spin is used locally, we know the Government will force on our area regardless of local opinion. Then I went on to meet some residents in Crowle who are concerned about the future of a care facility there.

The weekend was no less busy with petition signings in Brigg Saturday morning, a stop in Worlaby Saturday afternoon and then a fundraiser in Haxey on Sunday followed by some leafletting!

Friday I organised for two qualified nurses to undertake blood pressure testing in the Red Lion in Epworth. We were highlighting the need for people to get regular blood pressure tests as high blood pressure can be a warning sign for more serious illnesses such as heart disease or stroke. Stroke funding in North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire is well below the national average and so we wanted to make people aware.

Cllr Liz Redfern and I drummed up custom out on the streets and we had scores of people through in the two hours we were doing it. In addition we chatted to lots of other people who all seemed to have the same message 'I'm never voting Labour again' or 'Hurry up and get this lot out'.

I am pleased we were able to do our bit to highlight this important health issue, we will be offering the service to other areas shortly.