"Fill up their inboxes": Public urged to prompt MP action over possible fire station closures
A public consultation over the closure of eight on-call fire stations in Dorset and Wiltshire is ongoing
Last updated 10th Mar 2026
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) is calling on residents to pressure local MPs for improved support and funding.
The call comes amid a public consultation over the potential closure of eight on-call stations across the Dorset and Wiltshire Service area, as the organisation aims to bridge a funding gap of over a million pounds.
It's a move that Chief Fire Officer, Andy Cole, has always insisted he doesn't want to make, but feels he's been left no choice.
In Wiltshire, fire stations in Wilton, Bradford-on-Avon, Mere and Ramsbury are set to be axed.
Last month, Wilton man John Hagger told us of his fury over the plans, saying he owes his life to the fast action crew from Wilton Fire Station.
Speaking to us at the consultation meeting in Wilton today (10/3), FRA Vice Chairman Paul Oatway expressed his gratitude for public involvement, saying it's more than they've had from local Members of Parliament in the last two years.
Mr Oatway praised the attendance, highlighting its effectiveness, but lamented the lack of support from MPs over the past couple of years.
He said, "There has been some considerable inactivity, with only four or five MPs speaking on our concerns in the House of Commons."
Mr Oatway says we need to push MPs for action by filling up their inboxes with our concerns over the plans.
Recent involvement from Salisbury and South Wiltshire MP John Glen but Oatway stresses that action is overdue.
"The fire sector has been the poor relative for far too long," Mr Oatway explained, urging MPs to address urgent funding needs with Government officials.
Mr Glen spoke in the House of Commons last week and is due to meet with the Fire Minister about the possible closure.
Members of the public are encouraged to communicate their concerns directly with their MPs to push for action.
Mr Oatway concluded with a message urging MPs to "step up and do what we need."