PART-TIME fire station plans which will see the end of 24-hour cover in Pontardawe came under fire from local AM Gwenda Thomas this week.

Mrs Thomas is worried about the plans by Mid and West Wales Fire Service to introduce part-time staffing for the station.

Pontardawe serves Trebanos, Ynysmeudwy, Ystalyfera and Clydach.

Mrs Thomas said: "I am concerned about the proposed changes at Pontardawe fire station because of the long distances firefighters will need to travel to a large number of my constituents during the night.

"I know that the Minister for Social Justice, Edwina Hart, is taking this matter very seriously and I look forward to the transfer of fire powers to her portfolio in the near future."

Mrs Thomas is among eight AMs who expressed "serious concern" over the plans this week.

They were due to meet Chief Fire Office Doug McKay but cancelled the appointment to seek further advice.

They believe the consultation on the Integrated Risk Manage-ment Plan, Making Our Com-munities Safer issued in August is not fully inclusive and they question the speed of the process.

Proposed changes to shifts and the reduction of employed fire fighters would leave most of the Service reliant on volunteers and Retained Fire Fighters.

They say any changes to the existing service will have an immediate effect on fire and rescue services. They are seeking further advice on Mr McKay's plans as well as cross party support from other affected AMs in the Mid and West Wales area.