Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has welcomed the news that Whitehill Fire Station will remain open.
The initial plan was for both fire stations to merge, with a new district fire station being built in a new location.
Following a consultation and an analysis of the impact the merger would have on service levels and response times, the Deputy Mayor Mayor of Greater Macnhester Baroness Beverley Hughes has taken the decision to keep both stations open.
Gwynne has welcomed the announcement, calling it “very reassuring news” for people across Stockport. He has previously raised his objections to the closure of Whitehill Fire Station, and has met with representatives of the Fire Brigades Union to discuss the plans.
Both Whitehill and Stockport fire stations will now be improved and redeveloped as part of the GMCA’s wider estates improvement project.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I’m very pleased that this decision has been made. Whitehill fire station has served residents in Reddish South for many years, and this is very reassuring news for people across Stockport.
“Our fire and rescue services deserve to be given all the tools they need to do their vital jobs. Since 2016, £140m has been cut from fire services by this Tory Government. It’s not acceptable.
“I’m glad that here in Greater Manchester we’ll be protecting our fire stations and investing in improvements to equip them for the future.”
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire Baroness Beverley Hughes added:
“GMFRS is always looking at how it can improve the way it serves and protects the people of Greater Manchester, and it is right that we explore options to maximise this. However, fundamental to any change is ensuring that the response times of firefighters and the level of service provided is never compromised and this factor took precedence over any merger.
“Stockport and Whitehill stations will both remain operational, serving their communities. I can also confirm that we will now be able to improve and redevelop both existing stations as part of our wider estates improvements project to update, modernise and increase energy efficiency of all our fire and rescue service stations and buildings. This is good news for our firefighters and residents of Stockport and its surrounding areas.”