New fire 'superstation' could be built in Liverpool

A new fire 'superstation' could be built in Liverpool as part of an overall plan to revamp the emergency service's cover across the county.

Blueprints to merge Croxteth and Aintree stations and erect a new multi-million pound building with a Training and Development Academy next door have moved a step closer.

If approved, it would be located on Long Lane with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s (MFRS) leaving their current home on Storrington Avenue in Croxteth.

The service announced a raft of new proposals today including two more fire engines, bringing the total in the county to 31, and a joint staffing system across Liverpool city centre station, at St Anne's Street, and Kensington.

A new concept of "specialist capability fire stations" has also been outlined, with appliances based in locations where there is greater likelihood of a particular type of risk occurring.

Firefighters at these centres will also get extra training in these areas.

Specialist stations could be introduced at Liverpool city for command and control, Wallasey for marine and ships firefighting, St Helens for hazardous materials, the proposed Long Lane site for urban search and rescue, Belle Vale for a high volume pump, Kirkdale for terrorist and flood responses and Heswall and Formby for wildfires.

Ahead of the plan going before the Fire Authority in July for approval, Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said it was time to reverse the pattern of cuts, imposed on it by central government.

He said: "After years of relentless cutbacks which have forced us to reduce firefighter numbers and close fire stations, enough is enough.

"Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service deserves the investment and resources that reflect the risks we face and the commitment and professionalism of our operational and support staff.

“I have made no secret of my vision for our fire and rescue service - I firmly believe we are the best fire and rescue Service in the country with the very best most compassionate people at our core.

"I genuinely believe these plans make us better again, they make us more resilient, more effective and quicker to respond, whilst ensuring we are equipped to meet the demands placed on a modern day fire and rescue service.

"We have already increased the number of fire engines from 26 to 29 and it is only right that we continue to increase this further wherever possible.

"Whilst we are not in a position to increase firefighter numbers as part of this plan, we will continue to recruit and train the very best people who represent the diverse communities we serve.

"We will continue to invest in our prevention and protection departments to increase fire safety in both the home and businesses, particularly for those living or working in high rise buildings.”