In response to the letter from county fire officer Martin Burrell (October 20), there is one thing in life which should not be compromised at any cost and that is fire-fighting capability.

Fire and the effects of fire kill in a very short space of time. Fire prevention will not stop all fires, it will not eliminate car crashes, it will not prevent plane crashes, it won't stop major incidents in Shoreham Harbour and it certainly won't prevent accidents from occurring in the workplace and home.

As a resident in the area affected by the proposals, I object most strongly and I would urge all residents of Shoreham and Southwick to oppose them.

By taking action now against these politically motivated proposals to cut costs, we can ensure that current standards are maintained and we can sleep safe at night in the knowledge that help is only a few minutes away.

-Paul Heward, Southwick