Fire chiefs to consider Hereford station move

Fire and police chiefs are looking to move their officers into to a new multi-agency station in Hereford.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority’s policy and resource committee is proposing to withdraw its interest in the Herefordshire Council owned Merton Meadow site which had previously been identified as a suitable location.

Instead, they now recommend investing £250,000 in a joint site with West Mercia Police on land off Holmer Road.

Nigel Snape, head of legal services at the fire authority, said: “In collaboration with West Mercia Police, a new potential site has been identified off Holmer Road in Hereford.

“This site has been considered using the previously determined design criteria for the project and an initial site investigation assessment has indicated that the potential for mitigation requirements as part of the design for this site are low.

“An operational responses assessment has indicated that the site is viable for both police and fire response purposes, with no significant impact on fire service operational response.

“With a limited window of opportunity to secure this new site, West Mercia Police are proceeding with the purchase of this site and initial design feasibilities indicate that the site will be able to provide.”

Fire authority chairman Roger Phillips said the current station on St Owen’s Street was opened in 1951 and they have been searching for a new site for several years.

“The opportunity to locate with the police on a new joint station will give us a 21st century facility for our firefighters. This is the principle station in the county housing the only full time firefighters in Herefordshire,” he said.

“The new station is part of an ongoing capital investment programme which includes extensions to Eardisley and Leintwardine Fire Stations and recent joint facility with police at Peterchurch.

“Previously the authority looked at the old council office in Bath street and at Merton Meadow adjoining the football ground.”

However, despite the policy and resource committee meeting this Thursday (November 29) to consider these recommendations a spokesperson for West Mercia’s police and crime commissioner said a site had not yet been purchased.

He said: “The information in the Fire Authority report is incorrect and we have made that clear to them. We have not purchased any sites at the moment.

“Naturally, if/when that changes we would be happy to provide any and all information, but hope you will understand we don’t want to jump the gun and as such won’t be providing any comment in the meantime.”

Incidentally, estate agents Sunderlands have sold the former Painter Brothers Ltd sports field off Holmer Road subject to terms and conditions.

They were seeking offers in excess of £850,000 for the 2.792-acre site.

Policy and resource committee members would neither confirm nor deny that this is the site they are looking to move the station to.