Campaign which saved Shropshire fire stations praised by MP

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

And during a visit to Baschurch Fire Station, North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson praised members of the public, parish council members and firefighters for the passionate campaign which helped to secure the future of the stations.

Mr Paterson said he was delighted the campaigners had made such an impact.

He added: "It was really good to meet everyone at Baschurch Fire Station. I had a great chat with parish councillors and firefighters.

"I am so pleased that the really excellent local campaign, which had a very clear case from the start, was listened to by the chief fire officer. Everyone worked so hard to save the station and I am glad the hard work paid off."

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.

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 that rises of up to two per cent can go ahead – meaning the fire service should have to make fewer cuts than previously anticipated.

This month it was announced that the fire service control centre will also remain in the county.

There will now be a further review to decide where the control room should be – either at its existing site in Shrewsbury or elsewhere in the county.

In July, it had been suggested that the control room, based in St Michael's Street, could join with West Mercia Police, Warwickshire Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

But that option was rejected.

It had been feared that half of the 16 fire control room staff based at the Shrewsbury head quarters would lose their jobs – reducing the fire service's annual staffing costs by up to £300,000. At present it is unclear where the new fire control will be or the implications this will have on staff.