defending fire station closure
the challenge:
Following extensive consultation, the Integrated Risk Management
Panel (IRMP) of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority had decided to
close Windsor Fire Station between 8 pm and 8 am each day.
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead challenged this
decision, on the basis that it had been reached without proper
information or consultation and a judicial review ensued.
our approach:
We were instructed following the start of the judicial review,
giving us less than 21 days to respond. We reviewed the
information from Royal Berkshire overnight; advised that counsel
should be instructed, appointed an experienced counsel and held
conference calls to discuss strategy. Minimal information was
available from the claimant, so we produced a comprehensive witness
statement with the fire authority. This was a genuine team
effort with the material produced filling two ring binders.
Leading up to the hearing, we had to provide a rapid assessment of
additional witness statements from the claimant and decide whether
to submit further evidence on behalf of Royal Berkshire.
the result:
The judicial review found in favour of Royal Berkshire, ruling that
the consultation on the proposal was ‘intelligible and
appropriate’; the response was formulated within the required
timeframes.