[© Google Street View]
Plans to demolish Bath’s Fire Station and build a new one?
Where did l read this? In a press release from our city MP’s office!
Mrs Hobhouse visited Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS) to meet with Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton. Our Lib-Dem MP wanted to spotlight the critical work undertaken by the Service and to discuss pressing challenges in the fire and rescue sector.
During the visit, Wera was given a tour of the station and was shown firsthand the urgent need for renovation. Firefighters and staff shared how the facilities are in desperate need of updates, due to the station’s poor condition and the risks associated with outdated infrastructure.
Wera was informed that plans are already in place to demolish the current station and rebuild it next year, a necessary step to ensure the Service can continue to operate effectively in the years ahead.
Wera was also shown the equipment used by the Service, including the impressive vehicles that firefighters rely on daily.
She even had the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of one of the fire engines and was given a rare view from above, lifted sky-high by a turntable ladder – an essential tool in dealing with high-rise fires and other rescues, which are becoming more frequent as the country’s built environment changes.
The visit highlighted how Avon Fire and Rescue Service, like other services across the country, is facing rapidly changing demands due to climate change, the increasing risks associated with the built environment, and advancements in technology. These evolving challenges require boosting investment in emergency services.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton discussed the financial strain faced by the Service, including an anticipated £4.2 million funding deficit over its medium-term financial plan. He stressed the potential impact of such deficits on essential prevention, protection, and emergency response activities, as well as on the safety of firefighters and the public.
Wera also heard of the broader challenges facing fire and rescue services nationally, such as climate change and the role of firefighters in addressing issues like wide-area flooding and challenges in recruitment and retaining specialised skills.
Wera shared Simon’s concerns about the alarming under-funding of the fire service which risks putting people in danger and pledged to call on the government to do whatever necessary to protect lives.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “It was great to have Wera here at the station to show her all the wonderful work we do for the community and the challenges we are facing. As a Service, we believe reform is essential to deliver further improvement and development locally and across the sector. We believe that local political and operational leadership will be key to meeting changes and driving improvement in the sector, but we also need government support. Thank you to Wera for promising to push the government to address these changes.”
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Avon Fire and Rescue team, who go above and beyond to protect our community. However, the funding pressures they face are unacceptable. The Government must stop fanning the flames of this crisis and invest in the services that save lives.”
NB I approached the Avon Fire and Rescue Service for comment on the redevelopment plans and received the following comment:
In July 2024, Avon Fire Authority approved plans to rebuild Bath Fire Station, marking a significant step toward modernising the facility to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting. A dedicated project team within Avon Fire & Rescue Service has been established, and a contractor has been appointed to undertake the redevelopment.
The programme is now underway, with preparations in progress for the rebuilding process. The existing station will be demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the needs of modern-day firefighters and enhance service delivery to the community.
While initial plans are being developed, Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to engaging with the community throughout the process to ensure the new Bath Fire Station meets the needs of local residents, the wider community and the requirements of a modern fire and rescue service.
We value the input of the community and will work collaboratively to build a station that serves everyone effectively. Regular updates will be provided to keep residents informed about the progress of this important project through regular communications and events.
It’s my understanding further details of the project are being released to the press next week!
