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Wilton council unanimously adopts statement opposing proposed Wilton fire-station closure
Summary
Wilton Town Council voted to adopt a formal consultation response opposing the proposed closure of Wilton Fire Station, urging the fire authority to use reserves, consider alternative funding and to engage MPs and the community. The decision follows public concern raised at standing-room consultations.
Wilton Town Council on March 10 adopted a formal consultation response opposing the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service's proposal to close Wilton Fire Station.
The council's statement, read aloud by the chair, said the authority's analysis shows the closure would increase response-time risk for the largely rural area around Wilton and urged the fire authority to pause closures while alternative funding options are explored. The statement called on the fire authority to use available reserves where appropriate, to engage more fully with affected communities and to work with MPs pressing for a funding review.
“The council unequivocally states our opposition to this closure,” the chair said when presenting the document, which the council then moved, seconded and approved as its formal consultation submission.
The council cited local consultation meetings that were standing room only and said residents and councillors had raised concerns about increased travel times and diminished availability of backup fire engines from neighbouring stations. Council members noted those operational concerns alongside wider questions about the fire authority's governance and spending priorities.
A member of the public, Elliot of Save Our Fire Stations, had earlier told the council that MPs were taking up the issue in Westminster and asked whether the town could host an independent public meeting; councillors agreed the request could be considered under the fire-station agenda item and signalled support for local engagement.
The council said its response will be submitted to the fire-authority consultation and used to press national and regional representatives to seek a sustainable solution that protects 999 emergency response in the Wilton area. The motion to adopt the statement was carried by the council during the meeting.
Next steps: the council will share the formal consultation response with the public and follow any further consultation deadlines set by the fire authority.
