Warning over closure of eight fire stations

5 hours ago

Christopher MaceWiltshire

News image — Firefighters may have to wait until the end of June for final confirmation of closures

DWFRS A firefighter loading equipment into the side of a red and yellow fire engine. He is wearing a high-vis coat which reads "fire" on the back. — Firefighters may have to wait until the end of June for final confirmation of closures

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned the potential closure of eight fire stations could leave communities in Wiltshire and Dorset without adequate emergency cover.

The plan, if approved by councillors on the local fire authority, would see stations in Ramsbury, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilton, Mere, Cranborne, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton and Charmouth close.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service's (DWFRS) chief fire officer Andy Cole said: "I know how deeply connected people are to their station, and their community, and I do not underestimate how personal this will feel."

Firefighters have been briefed on the plan, and the fire authority will meet on 10 February to discuss it.

If members of the authority agree, a 13-week consultation will take place, with a final decision being made on 30 June.

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Responding to the announcement, the FBU called on the fire authority to reject what it called "disastrous" proposals.

Barney Hedgecock, FBU fairness at work representative for DWFRS said: "The council and fire service leaders must put public safety first and stop these cuts.

"Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is already severely overstretched and under-resourced," he added.

"Firefighters work tirelessly to keep communities safe, but the reality is that cuts and station closures put lives at greater risk.

"Fewer firefighters and fire engines available will mean slower response times to emergencies, at times when every second counts."

'Significant financial pressures'

Mr Cole added: "DWFRS continue to face significant financial challenges, despite our attempts to lobby government for better funding.

"While no decision is being made on any proposal for closure until the Fire Authority meeting on 30 June, my focus now is on supporting staff through the uncertain months ahead.

"I want to recognise the professionalism, pride and commitment shown by firefighters across the service."

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