Fire stations plans could be put on hold

Plans to build new fire stations in the Black Country could be delayed because of the economic situation, a senior councillor has claimed.

West Midlands Fire Authority member and former chairman Councillor David Hinton has admitted he cannot see the two new stations earmarked for the Cradley Heath and Halesowen border and Wednesbury being built within the next few years because of financial pressures. It would mean existing stations in the three towns could stay open for the foreseeable future.

Fire authority ruling chiefs today insisted the plans would still go ahead, but admitted the recession could make things more difficult.

West Midlands Fire Authority, which controls the region's fire service, has said it is aiming to achieve the recently-approved proposals to redevelopment stations across the area during the next three to five years.

Smethwick station had originally been earmarked for closure in the draft plan, but it was saved following a public outcry.

But controversial plans are still in place to close Cradley Heath and Halesowen stations and replace them with one facility between the two areas.

Wednesbury fire station would also be replaced with a new base in the Wood Green area, near to the border with Walsall.

Councillor Hinton, Labour ward member for Tividale, said he did not know where the money would come from to build the new stations and it looked like the plans were "up in the air."

"I think it is most unlikely they will find the money for a new fire station," he said.

"There is no time limit on it but whether it will come to fruition I don't know. I think 2011 will be a very tight year for public services and I don't think the Government will be giving money to community services like we have in the past.

"I would rather have stations Old Hill and Halesowen with their hours retain- ed rather than a new station between the two," he added.

But fire authority vice-chairman, Tory councillor Tony Ward, said: "The plans we've got were well thought out and I see no reason why in the fullness of time they will not come to fruition.

"The current economic situation is unfortunate but we've got a very well managed financial system at the fire authority," he added.