PUBLIC consultation is to begin on plans to build a new fire station on greenbelt land near Saughall Massie.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority agreed to hold another 12-week exercise after plans to merge West Kirby and Upton stations on a new site in Greasby were scrapped after mass public opposition.

The new consultation starts on March 2.

The public will be invited to come up with suggestions for other suitable alternative options to deliver the savings required as a result of further cuts to the authority budget.

Still on the table is the outright closure of West Kirby as the alternative to a merger.

Dan Stephens, Merseyside's chief fire officer said: "We have to make structural changes to emergency response cover across Merseyside in order to deliver the savings required following the confirmation of further Government Grant cuts.

"I am of the view that a merger in West Wirral would deliver a less impactive operational outcome than the outright closure of West Kirby."

Over the last four years the Fire and Rescue Authority has had to make savings of £20m as a result of Government Grant cuts. A further saving of £6.3 million is needed by the end of 2015/16.

Moreton West and Saughall Massie Conservative councillor Chris Blakeley told the Globe: “We are delighted that the chief fire officer is giving residents the chance to air their views on these proposals.

“Clearly, there is a lot of opposition to the plan from local people, including the Saughall Massie Conservation Group, who are concerned about the erosion of greenbelt.

“We look forward to the public meetings, where people will be able to express their views to the chief fire officer.”