RESIDENTS from Dumbarton and the Vale have been urged to have their say on how the fire service operates.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is currently holding a consultation, which will help to create a plan for the next three years.

Submissions close on Thursday, July 18, and bosses at the fire service want to make sure everyone has a chance to have their voice heard.

The Draft Strategic Plan for 2019-22 will look at the services current operational footprint, as well as how they respond to new risks, such as extreme weather situations.

Other proposals also include boosting leadership and diversity within the service.

Chief officer Martin Blunden said: "We continue to lead the way in Scotland’s public sector by proposing to do so much more for our communities – it is absolutely vital that those same communities have their say on how we propose to do that.

“These plans are the culmination of a huge amount of thought and effort into how we can continue to provide a world class, sustainable national Service while meeting the new risks flowing from population and climate change.

“This includes a renewed focus on prevention. We have already seen the number of house fires massively reduced in recent years – and now we are looking at what else we can do, working with our partners, to assist people and keep them safe.”

"This consultation is a clear opportunity for people to have their say on how we are going to do this. This is Scotland’s Service and the country must have its say.”

Views from members of the public will be used to inform the new strategic plan - due to be released in October after being approved by MSPs.

To take part, go to firescotland.citizenspace.com/planning-and-performance/draft-strategic-plan-2019-22/