One politician said it would be a “terrible proposal” to shut down the fire station

Various structural problems and financial challenges could cause a Hampshire fire station to be closed.

Fears are being raised that Droxford Fire Station in Union Lane may cease to exist. Issues with the building itself and how to fund repairs could result in the site to be demolished, its fire engine to be moved, and the dispersal of crew.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ben Allen, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS), said the fire authority has agreed in principle that the station would be rebuilt if it becomes unsafe to use.

Droxford fire station could be forced to close due to 'structural issues'. | Google Street View

He said there are several structural issues, largely centred around the roof. He told The Meon Valley Times: “Unfortunately, due to wider financial considerations, the Service is not yet in a position to fund the rebuild.

“On October 8, the Fire Authority will consider a proposal to pause the rebuild of the station until funding is identified. The proposed pause applies only to the planned rebuild and does not mean the station will stop being used straight away.”

Assistant Chief Allen added that the building remains safe to use, and crews can still operate there as usual. Local alternatives are being considered if crews need to be temporarily relocated.

“Keeping our communities safe and maintaining fire cover across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is our highest priority,” he said. “We will keep the situation under careful review and take any steps needed to ensure local communities remain protected.”

Liberal democrat MP for Winchester Danny Chambers said any Droxford Fire Station closure would have 'devastating consequences'. | Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

A petition has been launched to save Droxford Fire Station, which has garnered more than 1,000 signatures. Politician Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester, condemned the possible closure and dispersal of crew.

He said: “This is a terrible proposal. When a fire starts, every second counts. We have seen the devastating consequences for families, businesses, farms and our countryside when crews cannot reach an incident quickly.

“With the growing risk of extreme heat, drought and wildfires, people in Droxford and the surrounding villages must know that when they dial 999, help will arrive quickly. You cannot simply move the fire engine elsewhere and expect an on-call crew to carry on as normal. Many of these firefighters live and work locally, and that local presence is precisely what makes the service effective.”