Oxfordshire fire station closures withdrawn after public feedback
Councillors to discuss newly shaped plans following public consultation
Three Oxfordshire fire stations are set to remain open following public consultation, which has influenced the latest proposals to be reviewed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet.
The planned closures of fire stations in Eynsham, Henley, and Woodstock were reconsidered after feedback from the community highlighted the importance of local fire stations.
The consultation took place between late October 2025 and January 2026, during which residents expressed strong support for keeping the stations open despite previous plans for closure due to low availability of on-call crews.
The newly shaped proposal targets recruitment and community engagement at these stations and aims to address challenges such as daytime fire engine availability when demand and risk are at their peak.
Further discussions will be held with employees and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to ensure the practical implementation of the new plans.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet will evaluate these revised proposals next Tuesday (21st April).
Another aspect of the consultation involves the temporary withdrawal of the plan to remove the second fire engine from Thame fire station, a decision previously considered due to its low utilisation.
This pause will facilitate a review of feedback obtained and align Oxfordshire’s plans with those of neighbouring Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, given the proximity of Thame and Haddenham fire stations.
Additionally, a proposal to construct a new fire station in the north of Oxford requires further examination before any decisions can be finalised.
For now, the existing Rewley Road fire station will continue to operate, and its resource allocation remains unchanged.
Plans regarding the specialist fire and rescue vehicle at Kidlington fire station will remain in place, with further detailed work to be undertaken separately.