Catherine Joins Fight for Fire Services

10.18.26am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Apr 2009

Catherine has urged all residents of the South East to join her in signing the petition against EU plans on working hour rules that could lead to the closure of retained fire stations. Catherine signed the petition on its launch last month at a retained fire station in Swanscombe, one of hundreds of retained facilities at risk if European directive to cap the working week at 48 hours goes ahead.

She said: "Retained fire stations are so important and are vital to safety in this growing area.

"I am astounded that a vital facility like this is in limbo whilst they squabble over a dictatorial 48 hour working week. We need a firefighters opt-out to be put in place immediately to stop this dangerous uncertainty. I urge residents to sign the petition which will be located in shops or online."

You can sign the petition at www.keeptheoptout.co.uk.