FIREFIGHTERS battling to stop a plan to close three stations in favour of a central hub have put forward an alternative proposal for the future of the service.

District firefighters have created their own blueprint as a response to Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s proposed £5.9million Wyre Forest Emergency Services Hub.

If approved, the hub will see the closure of Stourport, Bewdley and Kidderminster’s existing fire stations and relocated to one site.

Fire Service bosses say that pressures to balance the budget, the chance to work together and share intelligence with other blue light services, who would also be based in the hub and a reduction in the number of call outs were driving factors for their proposal.

A consultation on the proposal is set to end next Friday, November 27, and the Fire Service says all views offered would be taken into consideration.

But the plan has sparked opposition from firefighters, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), politicians and residents in the area, worried about the effect on response times and increasing risk to people’s safety.

In their alternative, Wyre Forest firefighters are proposing that a new facility should be created in Blackstone - to serve Stourport and Bewdley - while retaining Kidderminster’s existing station.

They see this will have less of an impact on response times for while police, ambulance and other voluntary organisations could use the facilities at the new centre.

Stourport firefighter John Gittins said: “Three stations into one is not going to give Wyre Forest anywhere near the level of services we currently have from the fire service.

“We believe the Wyre Forest area would receive the best service if its fire stations remain where they are currently.

“If there is an absolute need to change the locations we strongly recommend that response times of the first and second attending fire engine should be the absolute priority when considering any proposal.

“To move Kidderminster fire station so far away from the town center will be devastating for so many reasons. To close Bewdley and Stourport’s fire stations will not only be a blow to Bewdley but will impact on all response times in the Wyre Forest.

“We strongly believe our proposal is workable. It not only limits the impact of increased response times it improves them for many areas.”

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander Mark Preece, who is leading the consultation, said: “The consultation has been all about whether the proposed hub would be a good idea in principle and no decisions have yet been made.

“All views will be considered and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to give their opinion on the proposal so far. Public consultation closes next week so I would urge anyone who hasn’t already done so, to have their say on the proposal.”

The full consultation document and how to give views can be found on the Service website at www.hwfire.org.uk