Fire engine to stay at ‘strategically important’ station near M40

Lib Dem MP for Henley and Thame Freddie van Mierlo said the second fire engine based in Thame will not be lost as part of Oxfordshire County Council‘s proposed fire service cuts.

As well as this, fire station sin Henley, Woodstock and Eynsham will remain open and instead the council is expected to focus on recruitment to fill the staff shortages.

The second appliance had been at risk as part of wider plans to reshape Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Freddie van Mierlo (Image: Contributed)

Concern had been raised by residents, politicians and the Fire Brigade Union, which warned cuts would kill lives.

The consultation attracted strong engagement to the tune of around 1,000 responses, with many highlighting the importance of maintaining capacity in Thame.

Henley and Thame MP Mr van Mierlo said: “I’m delighted that the council has listened to the voices of concerned residents in Thame.

“We were told from the start that the proposed changes were not set in stone and I’m glad that has proven to be the case.

“Thame fire station sits on a strategically important site, in one of Oxfordshire’s largest towns, close to the M40, and next to areas of Buckinghamshire set to balloon in size over the next few years.

“It never made sense to cut the second engine at Thame with all this happening and so I’m pleased that in working with the town council and local councillors Kate Gregory and Judith Edwards, we have kept Thame at full strength.

“It is important going forward that the fire and rescue service in Oxfordshire work hand in glove with Buckinghamshire to keep response times down and the engines fully crewed.”