Local MP Celebrates Proposal to Save Henley Fire Station from Closure and Second Fire Engine in Thame
Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, has today welcomed the proposal that Henley Fire Station will be saved from closure and the second fire engine based in Thame is to be retained, following a robust public consultation process and strong community backing.
The Henley station and Thame’s second engine had been under threat as part of proposed changes to local fire service provision, prompting widespread concern among residents and emergency service personnel. The consultation drew a significant response, with many highlighting the crucial role both play in ensuring rapid emergency response and community safety.
Reacting to the news, Freddie commented:
“I’m delighted that the council has listened to the voices of concerned residents in Henley and Thame. We were told from the start that the proposed changes, including the closure of Henley and loss of second fire engine in Thame, was not set in stone and I’m glad that has proved the case.”
“Thame fire station sits on a strategically important site, in one of Oxfordshire’s largest towns, close to the M40, and next to areas of Buckinghamshire set to balloon in size over the next few years. It never made sense to cut the second engine at Thame with all this happening and so I’m pleased that in working with the Town Council and local Councillors Kate Gregory, Judith Edwards, we have kept Thame at full strength. It is important going forward that the fire and rescue service in Oxfordshire work hand in glove with Buckinghamshire to keep response times down and the engines fully crewed”.
The MP also cautioned that investment is now needed to reduce response times and bring the service up to the level expected by residents, adding:
“There remains a clear challenge with the recruitment and retention of on-call fire fighters, including in Henley which needs to be addressed. The consultation process has shone a light on response times in Henley and that they are currently lagging behind other parts of the county. We now need to see proposals come forward that enhances and invests in Henley fire station, securing its rightful place as a hub for this very special corner of Oxfordshire.”
“As parts of Oxfordshire continue to grow outside of the city, it makes sense for services across South Oxfordshire to see increased levels of investment.”
Freddie went on to thank residents for their positive engagement in the consultation process.
“I want to thank everyone that responded to and engaged with the consultation, and especially Councillors Stefan Gawrysiak, Leigh Rawlins whose forensic interrogation of the data behind the proposal can be credited in no small part with saving the station in Henley. I’d also like to thank the fire fighters who came forward to speak with me, and fire offers from Bucks and Berks provided me with valuable insights also.”
ENDS