Fire stations in West Sussex to close as part of reorganisation plans

It has been reported that three retained fire stations located at Findon, Keymer and Bosham may be closed due to the reorganisation of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSF&RS).

This plan, should it go ahead would mean that selected fire stations, including Littlehampton and Burgess Hill, would gain additional cover and a new unit would be built in Horsham.

The new fire facilities planned at Broadbridge Heath would contain a training centre.

A spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union has said that they oppose the move as the service would be poorer in these areas, with response times at night being affected: “In these areas we will be providing a less effective service than we currently provide.”

Residents in Findon have already expressed their misgivings about the ability for the fire service to be able to respond to emergency callouts.

Despite the concerns that it will take the fire crews in these areas longer to respond, WSF&RS has said these closures are in areas with low-risk and that change is necessary to put future resources in place.

It has been confirmed that these proposals are now out for public consultation until the 8th of October, with a decision due the following month.