Following the recent announcement that Hungerford Fire Station is set to undergo a major refurbishment, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is inviting members of the public to come and visit the station to find out more about the project before work gets underway.
The event is being held from 10am – 1pm on Saturday 12 November at Hungerford Fire Station, and all are welcome to attend.
With building work set to get underway on Monday 28 November, the day provides an opportunity for visitors to discuss the refurbishment and hear about how the changes will benefit the local community.
Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) has funded the refurbishment to help RBFRS deliver the objectives set out in its Vision 2019 plan. One of the central objectives set out is to place Berkshire’s fire stations at the heart of the communities that they serve, enabling people to live safe, fulfilling lives.
Once complete, Thames Valley Police (TVP), South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and RBFRS will operate from the refurbished station, with RBFRS and TVP based on site and SCAS able to use the station’s facilities as needed. Firefighters from the new station will also continue to respond to serious medical emergencies alongside their SCAS colleagues, as part of the RBFRS Co-Responding trial scheme. It is expected that this arrangement will allow greater collaboration between the three organisations, for the benefit of the local community.
The approved plans include a provision for a community room within the new station, which members of the public or local community groups will be able to book. The new station has been designed to be easily identifiable for visitors and the general public.
Councillor Angus Ross, Lead Member for Strategic Asset Management said: “These plans reflect our commitment to place frontline fire stations within their community, not only in terms of operating on one site with our blue light partners but also providing community facilities which can be used by local residents and groups. Hungerford is our first example to be rolled out but others are already being planned across Berkshire”.
Station Commander Jon Singleton said: “The refurbishment plans are an exciting development, one which we would like to share with local people. If you would like to find out more about what the plans mean for the local community, just drop to the fire station on 12 November between 10am and 1pm.”
Further information about the refurbishment can be found here: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-community/hungerford-community-fire-station/