Online retailer buys town's former fire station

Cleckheaton Fire Station shut in February this year

A town's former fire station has been bought by a local retailer after lying empty for several months.

Cleckheaton Fire Station shut in February this year after West Yorkshire Fire Service (WYFRS) relocated its headquarters from the base to nearby Birkenshaw.

Now the property has been taken over by metal and steel suppliers, The Metal Store.

The company, which described itself as a "Cleckheaton-based online retailer", said the building had "long been of interest due its close proximity" to its current base.

Founder and CEO Andy Buckley said: "As an employer, we remain committed to prioritising and growing Cleckheaton's local economy.

"Our new site is testament to this, presenting more opportunities for employment and for local business and suppliers to work with us."

WYFRS' decision to shut the fire station was initially taken in 2020, as part of a merger with the Birkenshaw site. At the time, fire chiefs said the move would save £2m.

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