Two Solihull MPs have written to the West Midlands Fire Service chief to demand assurances that proposed changes to fire stations and appliances will not affect emergency cover in the borough.

Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden and Solihull East, and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, MP for Solihull West and Shirley, are seeking answers following proposals to close, relocate or reduce the availability of fire stations and fire appliances across the region.

The MPs have warned that any changes must not leave communities vulnerable to reduced emergency cover, longer response times or increased pressure on frontline firefighters.

In a letter to the Chief Fire Officer, they acknowledged the financial and operational challenges facing West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), as well as the need to provide firefighters with safe, modern facilities and appropriate training.

However, they stressed that these priorities must not come at the expense of public safety.

The MPs have requested confirmation that fire service provision across the whole of Solihull borough is sufficient, including staffing levels, station provision, appliance availability and emergency response times.

They have also called for a detailed explanation of the financial, operational and staffing pressures facing the service, alongside evidence demonstrating why the proposed changes are necessary.

A further request asks whether WMFS has formally approached the Home Office and the West Midlands Mayor for additional funding, resources or support, and what responses it has received.

Mr Bhatti said: "Residents deserve transparency about why these proposals are being considered and what they will mean for local emergency cover.

"Before any decisions are made that could reduce frontline provision, I want to be satisfied that every possible avenue for additional funding and support has been explored."

He added that decisions about the future of fire cover must be transparent, evidence-based and guided by public safety.

"I will continue to press the Chief Fire Officer for answers and work constructively to ensure that the safety and security of residents across Solihull and the wider West Midlands remain paramount," he said.

Dr Shastri-Hurst said fires across the West Midlands over the summer had highlighted how quickly emergencies could threaten lives and homes.

He said residents in Solihull West and Shirley wanted assurances that firefighters would arrive quickly and have the resources needed when called to an emergency.

"Before any changes are agreed, we need clear evidence that they will not leave our communities with fewer resources or longer response times," he said.

"Our firefighters deserve proper support, and public safety must come first."

The MPs have asked the Chief Fire Officer to respond to their concerns and provide evidence that the proposals will not compromise public safety.