A FACT-finding exercise is to take place to ensure land in Upton is suitable for development as part of a consultation on fire cover in west Wirral.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue service is currently carrying out a 12-week consultation on the future of the area’s fire stations.

The exercise, which ends on May 18, will consider two options.

On the table is a proposal to close West Kirby and Upton fire stations and merge them at a new station in Saughall Massie Road, Upton.

The other option is the outright closure of West Kirby.

As part of the consultation, a topographical study will be carried out on land on Saughall Massie Road.

The survey – which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday – is required in order for architects to ensure the site is suitable for any development and to prepare initial designs of a potential new fire station for display or discussion at upcoming public meetings.

Fire chiefs say the survey does not mean a decision has already been made.

Throughout the consultation, the public will be invited to suggest suitable alternative options for fire authority budget savings.

The outcomes of the consultation will be reported back to the Authority for a definitive decision in June.

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “We would like to reassure the public that no decision has been taken regarding the proposal for a new fire station on this site and no planning application has been submitted.

“The outcome of the consultation will be reported to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority for their consideration before a decision on the proposal is made.

“The topographical survey work is solely for the purpose of preparing initial design proposals as part of the consultation process to allow the public to discuss what a fire station could look like at that location.”

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

The consultation process will involve public meetings at locations in Saughall Massie, Upton and West Kirby, a stakeholders' meeting at Hoylake, three focus groups and a joint forum.

A consultation document has been distributed in public buildings, local stores and businesses across West Wirral.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority held a 12-week consultation on the proposed closure of West Kirby and Upton fire stations and the building of a new station in Greasby but, following opposition from residents, the site was withdrawn by Wirral Council.

The public meetings will be held for this consultation on the following dates:

• Monday, April 20, starting at 6.30pm at the St Mary’s Centre, 127 Saughall Massie Road, CH49 4LA.
• Tuesday, April 28l, at Holy Cross Church community rooms, by Holy Cross Church, Woodchurch, CH49 7LS, starting at 6.30pm.
• Tuesday, May 5, at Hoylake Community Centre, The Parade, Hoyle Road, Hoylake, CH47 3AG, starting at 6.30pm.

The public consultation will consider two options:

  • The closure of West Kirby and Upton fire stations, the building of a new station at Saughall Massie Road.
  • The re-designation of one of the two existing wholetime appliances as “wholetime retained” (with a 30-minute recall), whilst;
  • Inviting suggestions for other suitable alternative options to deliver the savings required as a result of further cuts to the authority budget.


OR:

  • The outright closure of West Kirby as the alternative to merger.
  • The re-designation of one of the two existing wholetime appliances as “wholetime retained” (with a 30-minute recall) whilst;
  • Inviting suggestions for other suitable alternative options to deliver the savings required as a result of further cuts to the authority budget.