RESIDENTS can have their say over proposed fire station closures – including in Mere and Wilton – at a series of meetings in the coming weeks.

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has proposed closing eight fire stations in the service area – with a public consultation running until May 15.

More than a dozen public meetings over the plans have been held, with a fresh series of online events planned for April and March regarding the potential closure of stations.

The online meetings are scheduled for:
Wednesday, April 15: 6pm – 7pm, Ramsbury
Thursday, April 16: Noon – 1pm, Bradford on Avon
Tuesday, April 21: Noon – 1pm, Wilton
Tuesday, April 21: 6pm – 7pm, Cranborne
Wednesday, April 22: Noon – 1pm, Hamworthy
Wednesday, April 22: 6pm – 7pm, Maiden Newton
Thursday, April 23: Noon – 1pm, Charmouth
Thursday, April 23: 6pm – 7pm, Mere

Links to access the online events can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/proposed-station-closures.

Chief Fire Officer, Andy Cole, said: “The meetings held to date have been very well attended, and we are grateful to everyone who has engaged with the process.

“Thanks also go to the Members of Parliament who have responded to our lobbying, and to all our staff, who are showing great professionalism during a very difficult time.”

He added: “I would urge anyone who hasn’t shared their views on the proposals to do so before the consultation closes on Friday, May 15.

“All of the feedback will be collated into a report, which will be considered by the Fire and Rescue Authority when they meet on June 30.”

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