Fighting fund appeal to save Halesowen fire station

A £50,000 fighting fund is being launched in a bid to overturn controversial plans to close a Black Country fire station and axe a 24-hour crew, it was revealed today.

Firefighters have decided to forge ahead with a legal bid to overturn the decision to shut Halesowen fire station and axe the 24-hour crew which serves the town and nearby Cradley Heath. An action group last night backed plans to pursue a judicial review into the closure plans – and now faces a battle to raise £50,000 to cover legal costs for the fight.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris is working with the Halesowen and Cradley Heath Fire Station Action Group, including local business and community leaders, who have taken preliminary legal advice on launching a judicial review.

Mr Morris said a public appeal would be held to help raise the total. Plans are now being drawn up for fundraising events.

A meeting will be held in the coming week with a barrister to discuss the judicial review.

Mr Morris said: "The action group are extremely angry and determined not to let the issue rest."

He added: "There will be a public appeal and we will be looking for contributions from local businesses as this is a vital part of the community that will be lost."

West Midlands Fire Authority voted to go ahead with its plans at a meeting earlier this week despite a wave of protest from residents.

Following the decision, Halesowen Fire Station will close on March 31 and one of two 24-hour crews serving the town and Cradley Heath removed.

Fire bosses are also considering whether to build a new fire station and say they plan to consult with residents. Halesowen firefighters have branded the move a "dark day for the public of Halesowen".

Firefighters say they face weeks of uncertainty over where they will be deployed.

A total of 56 staff between the two stations, including officers and administrators, will be vying for 28 posts at Cradley Heath with selection determined by skills and where they live.

Staff not appointed to those posts can choose between positions at other stations subject to availability. And some may have to take temporary posts moving between stations.