Concerns raised over 'chaotic' decision to shut Cleckheaton fire station

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Fire Authority today, members voted to begin an eight week public consultation on plans to close the Hightown Road station and move its staff and engines to the fire service HQ at Birkenshaw.

The service says the plans would save almost £2 million of public money, and would actually improve fire cover in some high risk areas, such as South Bradford.

A report into the plans said it would cost £2.9 million to re-build Cleckheaton Fire Station.

Re-locating it to an extension to the Birkenshaw site would cost £1.3 million.

And the sale of the Cleckheaton site could bring in £375,000.

The station was built in 1952 – and the service says a change was needed to to the building’s pricey maintenance costs.

But at the Fire Authority’s Annual General Meeting, held remotely yesterday, members said the decision seemed “chaotic” – considering that just four months ago they were discussing proposals for a new building at the Cleckheaton site.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “In February we agreed to spend the money to rebuild Cleckheaton station and now we are deciding to change our minds.

“Has something else changed since then?”

She was told the existing site in Cleckheaton was too small to host many of the service’s facilities, and that re-location has been deemed the best solution, while saving public money at the same time.

Cllr Sunderland replied: “It all just seems a little bit chaotic to have all happened in four months’.”

Councillor David Hall (Cons, Liversedge and Gomersal) said: “There is bound to be local concern, there always is when it is suggested a fire station is closed.

“I think that means we have to go the extra mile in the consultation. We need to explain that there is negligible risk and impact to people living in the Spen Valley.”

He suggested the service “keep an eye” on social media and work to dispel any “scaremongering” about the plans.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said:” A few months ago we agreed to spend £2.9 million on Cleckheaton, and now it has come to the AGM it has all changed without any reference to members.

“It is disappointing. The public are already aware of this, it is a shame we didn’t get the chance to see the options first. Now we’re just like the public – part of a consultation, and we haven’t had any chance to shape it.”

Members raised concerns about how the technical response unit currently based at Cleckheaton, which is often used for incidents such as serious car crashes, would be able to access the M62.

They were assured that it would be just as east to get to the motorway from Birkenshaw as Cleckheaton in the case of a major crash.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Nick Smith said: “We believe building a new station at our Headquarters is the right thing to do. It improves fire cover for the most at risk communities in the area and also enables us to provide best value for money.

“However, before the Fire Authority makes a decision on this proposal we want to hear from the public. Therefore, we are urging people to get involved and give us their views on the relocation of the station in Hightown Road, Cleckheaton to our Headquarters site in Birkenshaw. ”

The consultation runs from today to August 26. To have your say on the plans, visit , westyorksfire.gov.uk