Eight fire stations to stay open for now in Dorset and Wiltshire
A one-off government payment has helped for now
Eight fire stations in Dorset and Wiltshire could stay open, after a last-minute boost in government funding.
The area’s Chief Fire Officer says a one-off payment of £1.8million has bought more time to avoid closures and job losses.
The affected stations are at Bradford on Avon, Cranborne, Charmouth, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton.
But Andy Cole warns that the service still faces a long-term deficit.
It means that station closures could be back on the table if future funding does not improve.
Chief Officer Cole added: "The next step of the process is for Fire Authority Members to consider and vote on the recommendations on the 30 June.
"We will then continue lobbying central government for the fire precept flexibility, which will be confirmed in February 2027.
"Fire Authority papers will be published on our website on Monday 22 June, in advance of the meeting on 30 June."