A CONSULTATION on controversial plans to close Wyre Forest fire stations in favour of a single hub is set to end.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are encouraging residents and businesses to give their opinions on the potential location of the £5.9million Wyre Forest Emergency Services Hub, before the eight-week consultation ends on September 9.

Silverwood Park and Stourport 5 are the two sites considered satisfactory locations for the hub, if plans are approved.

If approved, the hub would see two Kidderminster crews and the retained Stourport and Bewdley stations relocated to one site - which would also house police, ambulance and voluntary organisations.

The hub, which has secured £2.38 million in government funding, has been approved in principle although fire chiefs stress no final decision has been made.

It has been met with a lot of controversy with Fire Brigades Union chiefs stating closing stations in Stourport and Bewdley would only increase response times and put lives at greater risk.

They have vowed to fight tooth and nail to retain fire stations in Stourport and Bewdley.

But Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service say pressures to balance the budget, the chance to work together and share intelligence with other blue light services and a reduction in the number of call outs were driving factors for the proposal.

Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis said: “Over the last 8 weeks, we have been seeking the opinions of staff, local communities and their representatives to ensure that all views are taken into consideration with regards to the location of the new hub. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to give their view so far.”

He added: “Whichever location is chosen, we believe that, going forward, the new multi-agency hub will result in a more resilient prevention, protection and emergency response function across the three communities of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.”

People can give their views by filling out an online questionnaire or requesting a paper copy at http://www.hwfire.org.uk/your-right-to-know/consultation or by emailing Consultation@hwfire.org.uk or by calling 0345 122 4454.

The full consultation document and further information can also be found on the Service website at www.hwfire.org.uk.