Border Telegraph | News | Fears for fire station

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 22nd March, 2006 10:23

Fears for fire station

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

THE axe could fall on Melrose Fire Station this week.

Two meetings in Newtown St Boswells this week are expected to decide the fate of the facility and its 10 part-time firefighters.

Scottish Borders Council will debate the issue on Thursday, with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Board making the ultimate decision when it convenes at Council Headquarters on Friday.

Members of both bodies are being recommended to support the closure plan included in the Service Improvement Plan 2005/2010 tabled by the chief fire officer, Brian Allaway.

Believing there will be sufficient fire cover for the Melrose area without the station, he wants to target resources on fire prevention, improved facilities and training.

Even if SBC votes for the local fire station’s retention, the local argument seems unlikely to sway councillors on the 18-strong fire board, which has two Borders members, Ken McCartney and Hugh Wight.

A three-month public consultation produced a 10,000-signature petition demanding the station be reprieved.

Hopes rose in January when the fire board was persuaded to defer a decision on Melrose to allow SBC to examine the possibility of funding the facility, which has annual running costs of £150,000.

A report by Brian Emmerson, SBC’s team leader for Better Government and Democracy, concludes that the rescue plan is flawed from financial and legal perspectives.

He says: “The only way that the Melrose station can remain open is if Scottish Borders Council funds its continued operation.

“This would cost £165,000 per annum, based on £150,000 operating costs plus £15,000 in lieu of lost income from a capital receipt and opportunity to reduce local charges.

“There is currently no budget established for this purpose and the Council’s overall budget is under intense pressure at this time.

“There are risks associated with legality, budget and relationships with other bodies.”

Councillors are asked to accept the professional advice and judgement contained in the Service Improvement Plan and its proposals for fire services in the Borders.

According to the fire board treasurer, costs relating to Melrose would need to be recovered in full from Scottish Borders Council from 2007/2008.

In his report to the board, Mr Allaway says: “The board solicitor is of the view that it would be inappropriate for Scottish Borders Council to make use of the ‘Power to Advance Well Being’ in relation to Melrose Fire Station.

“The fundamental point being that both the chief fire officer and Her Majesty’s Fire Services Inspectorate agree the station is not needed for the provision of emergency services.

“Ministerial guidance states that Power to Advance Well Being ‘… should be used in ways which are compatible with the statutory duty of best value.’

“The recommendation to close Melrose Fire Station is consistent with the board’s statutory duty in regard to best value.

“No contrary evidence has been presented which invalidates the recommendation to close Melrose Fire Station.”

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