Cumbria fire stations 'not equipped for needs'
Work is already under way to address "shortfalls in compliance"
Plans are in place to upgrade several fire stations across Cumbria after a report revealed many sites are ‘not equipped’ for the needs of a modern service.
A report prepared by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner states a programme is underway to improve the condition and facilities in the fire estate across the county.
According to documents, ten sites have been identified following building condition surveys, a compliance review and engagement with building users.
The report reads: “The work has a focus on addressing gaps in compliance, repairing maintenance defects and improving the condition and layout of the buildings.
“A key theme of the works is improving facilities to provide accommodation which meets the needs of equality, gender and inclusion.”
Design work is complete at several sites including Alston, Barrow, Longtown, Silloth, and Windermere Fire Stations.
A scheme is also designed for Coniston, but this is currently on hold whilst an ‘operational review’ of the vehicle appliance bay is ongoing.
The report says all these schemes will be complete during 2025 into early 2026.
Proposals are also in place to improve the police and fire station in Kendal with a report stating this will focus on ‘security and parking’.
The report adds: “Work is ongoing with Westmorland and Furness Council to transfer land owned by them to the Commissioner and improve parking capacity.
“This will address risk around service delivery, specifically fire service response of the on-call crew.”
At Grange Fire Station the report states an agreement has been reached with Northwest Ambulance Service (NWAS) for them to occupy under-utilised space on the ground floor of the building.
In return NWAS pay a ‘modest rent’ and have undertaken a programme of works to improve the condition of the layout of the building.
in February work stated at Whitehaven Fire Station to improve welfare facilities and address ‘shortfalls in compliance and condition’.
According to the report, work, using a local contractor, is ‘going well’ and on track for completion in July 2025.
This comes after the police, fire and crime panel approved measures to raise the council tax precept for the fire service by 5.3 per cent when they met on January 31.
The proposed increase in the precept will see a Band D council taxpayer pay £4.95 more to the fire service in the upcoming financial year.
On the fire service, Mr Allen told the panel the service has shown itself in being ‘prudent’ at managing its budget but added the force requires ‘investment’.
The Labour commissioner added: “Investment in its buildings is needed to improve welfare and compliance. Investment in its fleet and equipment to enable it to perform and respond appropriately.
“And most importantly investment in its people to continue to keep the population of the county safe.”
According to documents prepared by the Cumbria Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority, the proposed 5.3 per cent raise to the precept will generate £18.6 million from council tax for the fire service.
The report prepared for the panel in January states there has also been ‘little investment’ in the fire service estate for a significant period and many stations are ‘not equipped’ for the needs of a modern service.
It adds: “The capital programme will therefore need to reflect a level of investment in the estate that will address these issues.”