MP Bob Seely has received confirmation that East Cowes will not lose its fire station.
The fire station was suddenly closed on 9 May following the results of a building condition report which deemed the building as unsafe to use. The crew were told to immediately vacate the building and the appliances were moved to Newport and Ryde fire stations.
The Island’s MP met with Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin and Cllr Karen Lucioni, who sits on the Fire Authority and holds the Chief Fire Officer to account, to discuss the next steps.
Mr Seely said: “I spoke with our Chief Fire officer and Cllr Karen Lucioni last week after claims that East Cowes fire station might be permanently shut.
“I want to reassure residents that that is not the case.
“The current situation is a temporary one. The Fire Authority is actively looking at the options to rebuild the station on its current site. It is also looking to temporarily relocate it elsewhere in the town.
“Thank you to Cllr Karen Lucioni, for her work. We now need everyone to work together – the Fire Authority, the Isle of Wight Council, local councils and the community – to make sure East Cowes gets a new fire station as quickly as possible.
“I will remain in regular contact with the Fire Authority and I’ll be working with Cllr Lucioni and other Councillors to make sure the rebuild happens as quickly as possible.
“I’ll also be keeping residents up to date with what’s happening.”
