Plans for fewer fire engines and stations explored

Great Missenden fire station could close under the proposals

A fire service could lose eight of its engines and two of its stations under plans being considered by councillors.

Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority said one option involved closing stations at Great Missenden and Stokenchurch.

Eight fire engines could be removed from different stations in the county.

The authority said no decisions had yet been taken and people would get an opportunity to have their say.

The Liberal Democrat-run authority said it was exploring possible cuts to ensure the fire service was "ready to meet the risks our communities face today and in the future".

Two options have been put forward, both of which involve reducing the number of engines in the county from 30 to 22.

Campaigners pointed out that in the summer of 2023, all 30 fire engines were needed at once during wildfires, with support drafted in from neighbouring services.

They warned any reduction could put lives and property at risk during major incidents.

Almost a third of the county's fire engines could disappear if the plans go ahead

Option one:

• Close Great Missenden and Stokenchurch fire stations

• Remove the single fire engine at Haddenham

• Remove one of the two engines at Beaconsfield, Amersham and Buckingham

• Remove one engine from High Wycombe and West Ashland

Option two:

• No station closures

• Remove one engine at Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Broughton, Buckingham and High Wycombe

• Remove two engines from West Ashland

The fire authority has been run by the Liberal Democrats since June.

While the authority was under Conservative control, proposals to cut fire engines and close stations were rejected, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Haddenham Fire Station would lose its only engine

In a statement, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "First and foremost, we want to reassure people that no decisions have been made about the future of fire engines or fire stations in Buckinghamshire.

"We want to be absolutely clear, public safety will never be compromised.

"The Fire Authority will review refined options in public on 12 November. If approved, a 10-week consultation will follow so staff, partners, and residents can have their say."