Plans that could see several Dorset fire stations close, including Hamworthy, are moving forward to consultation today.
Moves to consult the public on the potential closure of eight on-call fire stations have been agreed by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, following recommendations developed by a Member working group alongside officers from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service after months of analysis and assessment.
Four Dorset stations at Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton are included, alongside Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton in Wiltshire, with all identified through a fire cover review examining operational data, response patterns, financial impact and community risk information gathered between 2019 and 2024.
Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said closing stations was not something anyone wanted, but said long-term funding reductions, rising costs and forecast deficits meant options had to be explored carefully to ensure the service remained sustainable while continuing to meet local needs.
He said communities were being invited to share views before any decisions are taken, stressing the Authority has not yet reached a conclusion, with the consultation running from 13 February until 15 May 2026, ahead of a final decision expected at a meeting in late June.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.