Firefighters react after council u-turn on station plans

As reported, Oxfordshire County Council has withdrawn proposals to close Eynsham, Woodstock and Henley stations following fiery opposition.

The other plan to replace Kidlington and Rewley Road (Oxford) stations with a new station in North Oxford are now on hold.

For months, the Fire Brigades Union has been arguing that these cuts to the service put lives in danger while urging the council to back down.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “This climbdown on station closures and cuts is a testimony to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.

Blue Watch Rewley Road Fire Station (Image: Rewley Road Fire Station/Facebook)

“A massive vote in favour of strike action by our members made plain the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to the service that threaten the lives of firefighters and the public.

“These proposals would have slashed fire cover across the county, putting lives at risk. Thanks to the determination and unity of our members, those cuts have now been stopped.

“Firefighters’ duty is to protect the public – and that is exactly what our members have done in Oxfordshire.”

The campaign saw widespread support from people and politicians, with firefighters warning that the loss of stations, fire engines and jobs would leave the county dangerously exposed.

Along with the five stations closing, the council proposed the removal of six fire engines and 42 firefighters would lose their jobs.

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The union said the result should serve as a warning to fire and rescue services considering similar cuts.

FBU southern executive council member Chris Wycherley said: “This is a victory built on the strength and determination of firefighters across Oxfordshire.

“From the very beginning, members were clear that these cuts would put their communities at risk and they were prepared to stand together to stop them.

“The level of support from the public has been incredible, and it shows just how valued the fire service is.

“This result proves that when firefighters and communities unite, we can defeat cuts that would put lives in danger.”

Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo added: “There remains a clear challenge with the recruitment and retention of on-call fire fighters, including in Henley which needs to be addressed.

“The consultation process has shone a light on response times in Henley and that they are currently lagging behind other parts of the county.

“We now need to see proposals come forward that enhances and invests in Henley fire station, securing its rightful place as a hub for this very special corner of Oxfordshire.”

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, said it is “apparent” that people are keen to keep fire stations open.

New proposals due to be put to Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet will include reviewing and adapting recruitment campaigns at Eynsham, Henley and Woodstock.

The aim now is to increase on-call firefighter numbers and to improve fire engine availability, Mr MacDougall said.

Neil Fawcett, cabinet member for resources, added: “The response to the consultation has highlighted how important our fire service is to local communities and the value residents place on the dedication and commitment of crews.”