Good News for Hodnet Fire Station

The Market Drayton Advertiser and the Shropshire Star have both carried stories in the last two days that a report by Chief Fire Officer, John Redmond accepts that axing four rural fire stations, including the one in Hodnet, would not be cost-effective and would unacceptably lengthen response times.
The Advertiser was printed before a meeting of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority’s strategy and resources committee held on Friday, 7th Feb, but the Star states that at the meeting the Chief Fire Officer’s recommendation that four retained stations in Baschurch, Clun, Hodnet and Prees should all be kept operational.  The decision by the committee needs to be finalised later this month by a full meeting of the fire authority. Whilst the crew and local residents can welcome this week’s news, any thoughts of celebrations need to be held back until after the decision is confirmed.
The Star adds that other options for cuts in the future, including the loss of a full-time fire engine from either Shrewsbury or Telford, remain possibilities as the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service seeks to make further savings in the future.