Rural fire station closure plans put on hold following community campaign

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) had initially proposed closing fire stations at Mere, Ramsbury, Bradford on Avon and Wilton as part of efforts to address financial pressures facing the service.

However, after a public consultation and extensive campaigning, all four stations are now set to remain open for the time being.

Earlier this month, revised proposals recommended only Wilton Fire Station for closure, but that proposal has now also been withdrawn.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said additional government funding worth £1.8 million had allowed the service to reconsider its plans.

He warned, however, that the extra funding does not solve the long-term financial challenges facing the authority.

"The additional funding provides short-term support, but we continue to face financial pressures in future years," he said.

DWFRS has stated that keeping all stations operational will depend on future government funding levels and whether the authority is permitted to increase the council tax fire precept in 2027/28.

The proposed closures sparked significant concern among local communities, with campaigners arguing that rural fire stations play a vital role in protecting residents, responding to wildfires and assisting with incidents involving livestock.

Local politicians from across Wiltshire also voiced concerns, highlighting the important role played by on-call firefighters during major incidents, including the Novichok poisonings in Salisbury in 2018.

Alice Elliot, who campaigned against the closures, welcomed the latest decision.

She said the campaign demonstrated that community action can make a difference and stressed that retained fire stations are essential for maintaining resilience in rural areas.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has also welcomed the move.

Dave Roberts, from the FBU South West region, described the decision as a "big step forward" but cautioned that uncertainty remains over the future funding of the service.

He said the closure consultation process had been emotionally challenging for many firefighters and staff.