LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne says that he wants all options to be considered including the use of reserves before any local fire stations are axed.

Philip Dunne has been asking residents who live in the area served by Clun Fire Station to give their views on the threat of closure.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are considering a number of options, including the possible closure of Clun Fire Station with three other retained stations in Shropshire, as they look to balance their budget for the future.

“Our local retained fire stations provide a vital emergency service to Shropshire residents,” said Philip Dunne.

“Shropshire Fire and Rescue have a good track record at delivering an efficient service, through a network of part-time retained officers in stations across rural Shropshire.

“I have taken a lead in taking fire chiefs to meet successive fire ministers to secure as good a financial settlement as possible during these straightened times for public finances.

“But I am absolutely determined to ensure that all options, including use of the Fire Service's £8.7 million reserves, are considered before closure of vital local stations.

“I also want the fire authority to be in no doubt of the strength of local feeling in and around Clun on the threat to their fire station.

“That is why I have been asking local people in the Clun area to fill in my survey and send me their views. I have already had a huge response and urge Clun valley residents who have not already done so to send me their views as soon as possible."

The MP is collating responses to provide to the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service board meeting later this month (February) to consider the alternative proposals for savings on which it has been consulting, prior to formal decisions due to be taken by the full fire authority at its meeting in February.