A fond farewell to firefighters past and present at Studley Fire Station (From Redditch Advertiser)

A fond farewell to firefighters past and present at Studley Fire Station

3:10pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

HUNDREDS of residents turned out to show their support for firefighters at Studley Fire Station, on their last day.

The station, one of several listed to shut as part of Warwickshire's Fire and Rescue improvement plans, officially closed its doors on Monday, October 8.

The Advertiser reported in 2010 how the controversial plans to cut fire service cover were given the go-ahead.

It came following a 12 week consultation looking into the future of the station, which up until this week provided cover for Studley and Redditch.

The decision came as a massive blow as the retained crew as well as local residents tried in vain to launch a desperate battle to save the station.

In a joint statement with other councillors, councillor Hazel Wright acknowledged how much firefighters had given to the community.

“To Studley they were never just firefighters,” she said.

“They were part of the fabric of the community, with many people having a friend or relative that had been part of the team.

“This service had for many years provided a protective blanket and now many residents are left feeling vulnerable despite reassurances from Warwickshire County Council that a quality fire service will be provided from Alcester.

“Only time will tell. It is therefore our role as elected representatives to monitor what happens over the next few months and to ensure that the line drawn by Warwickshire County Council is not allowed to wobble.”

She added: “We would like to reassure residents that we will continue do the best we can to ensure that Studley is not left at risk.”

People gathered outside the station to show their appreciation to all the firefighters for their dedication and service to the community during the past 70 years.

The message was a simple yet moving “thank you”.