A Wiltshire MP has pledged his continued support for efforts to prevent the closure of a fire station in Bradford on Avon.
In a post on social media, Brian Mathew MP said he had met with firefighters and union representatives to discuss proposals affecting the town.
The meeting involved crew members from Bradford on Avon and representatives from the Fire Brigades Union Dorset and Wiltshire branch regarding plans by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to close the station.
He said: “Yesterday, I met with firefighters from Bradford on Avon and representatives from the Fire Brigade Union Dorset and Wilshire to discuss the deeply concerning proposal by DWFireRescue to close the station.
“This station is a vital part of Bradford on Avon’s safety, and I’ve been working tirelessly to make sure these plans do not go ahead. It was invaluable to bring everyone together in Parliament to strengthen our campaign and coordinate the next steps.”
He added: “I also stressed the importance of long-term thinking and proper planning in our fire and rescue services – decisions like these must be made with community safety at their heart, not short-term pressures.
“We discussed the worrying disappearance of rural services in areas such as Bradford on Avon, and why protecting them is so important for local resilience.”
Referring to local backing for the campaign, he said: “There is a huge amount of local effort behind this – from campaign groups to Bradford on Avon Town Council – all united in protecting this essential service. That strength of feeling is clear, and it matters.”
He added: “I’m pictured here with Bradford on Avon firefighters Alexandra, Tom and Nigel, whose commitment to keeping our community safe is second to none.
“This campaign is far from over – and I will continue doing everything I can to support it.”
Bradford on Avon is one of eight fire stations across the service area at risk of closure.
