Bucks and Milton Keynes Fire Authority propose to close Great Holm fire station. Under the proposal, all existing fire engines and other resources at Bletchley and Great Holm Fire Stations would be relocated to a new hub station in West Ashland which is close to MK Football stadium. The fire stations at Broughton, Newport Pagnell and Olney would continue as now, unaffected by this proposal.

The new hub will cost £4.4 million, made up of £1.6m of local fire service money and £2.8m of money from central government.

The current Great Holm fire station is only 26 years old. The fire station was built at the same time as many of the houses in Great Holm. It was purpose built in the middle of a residential area. It is located close to the A5. When the fire station at Wolverton was closed The Fire Authority reported that Great Holm was to cover this area.

Councillor Zoe Nolan said:

“Is Great Holm fire station really ready to be scrapped after only 26 years? In this country fire stations can last for up to 140 years. If Great Holm fire station needs some improving or updating then this work should have been costed and a business case included in the consultation.

“The consultation period is very short and many people I have spoken to were totally unaware it until we informed them. I am disappointed that the option to extend the consultation was voted down by the Conservative controlled Fire Authority.

“I have received over 700 responses opposing the closure of Great Holm fire station and only one from a resident who agreed with the proposal. I have listened carefully to the presentation by chief fire officers and while I can see there could possibly be some unspecified benefits in bringing police and fire services together it has not changed my views that the closing of Great Holm is totally wrong. The Fire Authority must understand the strength of feeling from residents about the proposed closure. I urge them to reconsider.”

The decision on the fate of Great Holm Fire station will not be announced by the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority till February 2016.