FIR SERVICE INTERRUPTION
When the 24 hour cover of the FIR (Properly FIS - Flight Information Service) is closed at Swanwick, due to the FISO staff being re-deployed to sectors to cover for the continuing lack of ATSAs, the sectors themselves become the de-facto provider of FIS. Pilots requiring this service may (and should be encouraged to) ask on the relevant London sector frequencies for a Flight Information Service to be provided. It should be noted that the service has been withdrawn several times since Swanwick opened, often with little or no notice given. This is as frustrating for the staff as it is for aircrews and PPLs etc.