Long Melford Fire Station set to unveil £130,000 refurbishment tonight

A significant £130,000 refurbishment of Long Melford Fire Station is set to be unveiled, amid ongoing concerns from Suffolk firefighters about response standards as a result of financial constraints.

Personnel will stage drills and equipment demonstrations at the station at Little St Marys in Hall Street at 7pm this evening, as the facility takes receipt of a new fire appliance.

The appliance is part of a number of investments into the station, including recently-completed renovations to the building’s frontage, bay doors, storage and welfare facilities.

It comes as the Suffolk branch of the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) continues to campaign for funding to frontline emergency response services, stating that budget cuts have led to an erosion of fire cover in the county.

Members of the union attended the Houses of Parliament last week, to lobby for funds to increase the size of Suffolk fire crews, as well as investment in training schemes.

But ahead of the unveiling of the renovations in Long Melford, Cllr Richard Rout, cabinet member for environment and public protection at Suffolk County Council, said: “This is part of our ongoing programme of investment to make sure our firefighters have the best available tools for the job, whilst improving their safety and wellbeing.

“Despite the ongoing financial challenges, our priority is keeping our staff and Suffolk safe.”

In addition to the station refurbishment, firefighters based in the village have also received upgraded personal protective clothing (PPE).