Four Shropshire fire stations nearer to reprieve from axe

Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority's strategy and resources committee yesterday approved a recommendation to keep the retained stations in Baschurch, Clun, Hodnet and Prees.

The decision, taken in a meeting at Shrewsbury Fire Station, needs to be finalised later this month by a full meeting of the fire authority.

But other options for cuts, including the loss of a full-time fire engine from either Shrewsbury or Telford, remain on the cards to help Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service balance its books.

The service is facing an estimated budget shortfall of up to £1.7 million by 2020. About £450,000 of cuts have already been identified – including reducing contributions to reserves and using retained duty staff to cover full-time vacancies in the short and medium-term.

A near-two per cent increase in the service's council tax precept is also likely to come into force from April to reduce the cuts required.

But councillors and fire chiefs praised members of the public for the passionate campaigns that have helped secure the future of the stations. The decision to protect the stations follows both public consultation and in-depth risk analysis work by the fire service.

A working group of fire authority members came to the conclusion that the potential damage that would be caused by the closures outweighed the possible financial saving that would be made.

It had been previously indicated that shutting the stations could save almost £400,000.

Councillor Joyce Barrow said staff, residents, local councillors and MPs had fought a "brilliant campaign".

"They drove home what fire stations mean to their communities. I'm really glad we can move this forward to the full authority," she said.

Speaking after the meeting, Paul Ridgley, from Baschurch Parish Council and part of the Save Baschurch Fire Station group, said celebrations would be on hold until the decision to keep the stations was completely confirmed.

But he added he was "very pleased" campaigning appears to have paid off.

The closure plans had been drawn up by fire service bosses who were working on the assumption the Government would cap any council tax precept rises for fire authorities at 1.5 per cent.

But it was announced on Wednesday that rises of up to two per cent can go-ahead – meaning the fire service should have to make fewer cuts than previously anticipated.