Decision pending for closure of eight fire stations in Wiltshire and Dorset
Public consultation draws significant interest
A decision regarding the potential closure of eight fire stations across Wiltshire and Dorset will be made at an upcoming meeting on 30th June.
The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Authority will convene at Salisbury City Hall to discuss the outcome of a public consultation that received over 6,000 responses.
The meeting is expected to attract firefighters, union representatives, and local residents, signalling the importance of the issue for communities.
The fire authority, composed of members from various local councils, will make the final decision rather than the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service itself.
The proposed closures of stations in Wiltshire include Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury, and Wilton, while Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy, and Maiden Newton are designated for closure in Dorset.
These proposals come as part of cost-cutting measures to address financial pressures, with the fire service needing to find savings of £1.206 million within its £79.5 million budget for 2026-27.
Projected annual savings of £800,000 have faced criticism, with Liberal Democrat MP Brian Mathew calling the move a “false economy.”
A committee-approved consultation took place between February and May, allowing public feedback during meetings held within affected areas.
The Fire Brigades Union opposes the closures, warning of increased risks due to reduced fire station coverage. This action would result in the loss of 96 firefighter posts, amounting to a 16 per cent reduction in the frontline workforce.
The fire service acknowledges slower 999 response times if the stations are closed, stating, "We do recognise that there will be an increase in the response times to some emergencies."