When it comes to cutting Oxfordshire's fire service, there are no people better informed than those who go out there and saves lives daily.

It's why Steve Wright, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union, should be listened to so very carefully.

He has argued that against merging fire stations in Rewley Road and Kidlington to a new site in North Oxford, as well as closing down Woodstock, Eynsham and Henley.

Proposed cuts to the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service could see up to 42 firefighter posts cut, too, which Mr Wright has argued against.

Steve Wright (Image: Matt Simpson)

In previous conversation with me, he has spoken of the potential consequences that cutting arguably one of the most important services in the county.

And he is not just some important suit parachuted in from London by the union to be the saving grace our firemen and women need right now.

Mr Wright was a firefighter of more than 20 years in Oxford and Didcot; he was first on scene to the devasting power station partial collapse 10 years ago.

READ MORE: Disgraced gymnastics coach finally quits as boss after scandal

Steve Wright is a man who should be listened to and his message to Oxfordshire County Council is very simple: drop the cuts.

Of course, the county council has argued its case - somewhat convincingly - that on-call staffing is declining and it's affecting the service when it's most needed during the day.

But at night, there are too many resources spread across the county - if ever having too many firefighters and fire engines is a thing.

It says the cuts could also save £600,000 annually, too, and that by reviewing it, the fire service will be "futureproofed".

Despite whatever spin or fluffy PR wording the council can come up with, though, you cannot ignore the fact that ultimately it's cutting fire stations and firefighters.

That is going to have an impact, no matter what rota or staffing struggles the service may have.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s fire and rescue service’s chief fire officer, has been on the frontline trying to convince us that the plans are good.

You have to question whether he is the only fireman in Oxfordshire who believes some of his colleagues should be made redundant.

Or whether politics and/or politicians are somewhat hiding behind him.

Money doesn't really seem to be an issue for the county council: in November, the council's finance chief Dan Levy said its finances are in a "resilient and stable position" compared to many other councils.

Oxfordshire's excellent fire and rescue team should be expanded, if anything. Because you can't put a price on a life that is saved.

© The Oxford Times