SEVEN fire stations could close in south Warwickshire under new plans from the county’s fire service.

Chief fire officer Paul Fuller said the proposal, which also includes relocating fire engines to other stations, is in response to changing demands on the fire service.

“Some of our stations are very well placed to meet demand and provide support to neighbouring stations, whilst others may not be in the best location for a number of reasons,” he said.

“We will need to relocate a number of our fire engines to match existing and predicted patterns of demand, as well as improving availability, increasing firefighter training and community fire safety.”

The news has provoked outrage from residents living in the communities affected by the closures, including Bidford-on-Avon, Studley and Kenilworth, who fear the changes could increase response times and put lives at risk.

Coun Richard Hobbs, responsible for community protection at Warwickshire County Council, said the plans would be open for full public consultation.

“We understand there will be local fears,” he said.

“Through local consultation we want to work with communities to find the best solutions for their localities.”

Several public consultation meetings will be taking place across the south of the county over the next two months.

For more details on the proposals visit warwickshire.gov.uk.