A GROWING campaign to save Mere Fire Station is gathering pace as firefighters, MPs and campaigners all step up efforts to fight its proposed closure.

Over the weekend crews from the station were busy on the ground, underlining worries about what could be lost as Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority consider axing eight stations, citing funding concerns.

Posting an update this week, Mere firefighters said: “It’s been a busy weekend for the Mere crews. We were mobilised to two standby duties, relocating to provide fire cover in neighbouring areas during ongoing incidents.

“We also attended an incident involving a small child locked in a vehicle, where crews worked quickly to bring the situation to a safe resolution.

“A great effort from the team, ensuring cover was maintained and support given where needed.”

The crew was very busy over the weekend. (Picture: Mere Fire Station)

At the same time, the issue has been raised at the highest levels of government.

South West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison met Home Office minister Samantha Dixon alongside other Wiltshire and Dorset MPs, including John Glen, to argue against plans affecting the stations – including Mere and Wilton.

Following the meeting, Dr Murrison said: “I was grateful for the minister’s sympathetic ear.

“There is more work to be done but I am hopeful that we will see a positive outcome that will avoid the immediate danger – the threatened closure of fire stations.

“In the longer term, we need a more rational and sustainable basis for fire and rescue service funding.

“I urge everyone to respond to the consultation on closures which runs until 15 May.”

Wiltshire councillor George Jeans has been leading a grassroots push, distributing thousands of leaflets across Mere and surrounding areas to encourage residents to have their say.

Cllr George Jeans has stepped into the fight.

He said: “I have arranged for 7,000 leaflets to be distributed around Gillingham, Motcombe and other Dorset areas encouraging residents to do the consultation as it will impact them.

“I have provided printed copies with a limited number of paid envelopes in Mere Post Office and Brainwave.

“I must thank Mere for providing funds for another 3,000 plus to be distributed to much of the Mere area, encouraging residents to do the consultation.

“To print, publish and distribute, I must thank the many who have agreed to do this shortly or have done.”

Cllr Jeans added: “I personally will make it clear I am much against any closure of Mere Fire Station, it is close to the A303, and the response time will be in my opinion near ten minutes longer than now.

“We also have properties nearby that are of high importance, Stourton House for one.

“Again, please fill the consultation, it seems against all common sense that a fire and rescue station adjacent to the A303 is proposed to close, when doing the consultation, please give such reasons, not just ‘please, I do not want it closed’.

“One important point is, would you be prepared to pay a little more to keep the service.”

Campaigners have installed a banner recently advising people on how to take part in the consultation. (Photo: Alice Elliot)

Campaigners have also put up banners in the town, as the consultation continues until May 15.

To take part, visit https://www.dwfire.org.uk/about-us/your-fire-and-rescue-service/proposed-station-closures/