ENVIRONMENTAL groups have added their voices to criticism over plans to build a new fire station on green belt land in Wirral.

They say the scheme earmarked for Saughall Massie will set “a disastrous precedent” if it is approved.

Budget cuts have meant Merseyside fire authority needs to save cash and is in the process of closing West Kirby and Upton fire stations and building a new merged unit in Saughall Massie Road.

According to a letter obtained by ward councillor Bruce Berry, who is against the proposal, the Campaign to Protect Rural England said it was an inappropriate development which “sets a disastrous precedent" for the rest of Wirral.

The letter said: “This is green belt land and a fire station is inappropriate and an encroachment on the countryside.

“The site is adjacent to an area of housing for vulnerable people - surely the most inappropriate location for a 24-hour industrial site.”

Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service also criticised the application for "failing to identify all ponds on the site some of which are identified as territory for protected species."

Councillor Berry told the Globe: "From the day this site was first suggested concerns have been raised about the damage such a development will have on our precious green belt.

"It's only now we have the hard evidence from two respected independent groups of environment experts that this site is not suitable.

“Even at this late stage I would urge the authority to think again and go back to their alternative existing site at Upton."

But councillor Dave Hanratty, chairman of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, said: “Our principal aim is to protect our communities in the event of a fire or any other emergency, these mergers are a direct consequence of Government cuts.

“I would respectfully suggest that Moreton and Saughall Massie councillors should focus their attention and energy in lobbying their Conservative colleagues in treasury against the cuts to our emergency services which have necessitated this merger in trying to protect our communities across Wirral.”

A Merseyside Fire & Rescue spokesman said: “The proposal in Wirral is to close Upton and West Kirby fire stations and build a new station as close to mid-way between the two stations as can be achieved.

“The building of this fire station would ensure that an effective emergency response can be maintained across West Kirby, Hoylake and Meols as well as in the existing Upton station area.

“The proposed community fire station has been designed to be sympathetic to and takes account of the local environment.”

The application will be considered by the council planning committee in early October.