CAMPAIGN group Save Our Services in Surrey has called on the county council to scrap its plans to leave seven major fire appliances with no crews at night.

Its protest petition – signed by more than 5,700 people – claims residents of Guildford, Woking, Spelthorne, Egham, Painshill, Camberley and Banstead will have to rely on fire engines coming in from other areas.

Changes to Surrey Fire and Rescue’s (SFRS) response model – out to public consultation until May 26 – will save £3 million a year and could see Haslemere night time cover reduced from ‘on call’ to ‘on call, delayed response’, meaning firefighters will potentially be travelling from a greater distance to emergency callouts.

SFRS says it is “confident” its proposals would make Surrey safer as it shifts its focus towards preventative work during the day to reduce the number of fires and emergencies. A spokesman said: “We’re also trialling new technology which will improve response times.”