A 439,000 revamp of Alcester Fire Station, which aims to ensure the town retains round-the-clock emergency response, is now complete.

The newly refurbished station includes a kitchen with mess room, five en-suite bedrooms to accommodate shift patterns, a family room, office space and a gym. 

The station is now operating a new duty system called Day Crewing Plus, which ensures the service maintains an immediate emergency response to residents 24 hours a day. 

It will also provide firefighters with a flexible duty system which is managed on a self-rostering basis. This means that crews can sign up to work shifts that are more suitable to them.

Those on the new system will work 24 hours on station carrying out normal working duties from 8am until 8pm.

Once that shift is complete, they will then be on stand-by at night at the station from 8pm until 8am the next morning.

The shift system means that crews can be on station for up to four days.

Speaking on the refurbishment, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Andy Hickmott said: "We are delighted that the improvements to the station have now been completed and the crew have an excellent base from which to serve the community. This is the second station to be refurbished to accommodate the new shift system and so far the feedback from our crews has been positive."

Councillor Matt Western, chairman of the council’s resources and fire overview and scrutiny committee, said: "This is an upgrade of a whole-time fire station which will enable the firefighters who work there, to be more comfortable when working the new shift system. This station upgrade shows a real commitment to making sure working conditions for our employees are fit for a modern duty system."

Councillor John Horner,Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, added: "The refurbishment of Alcester Fire Station marks another stage in a number of improvements we are making as part of a county wide transformation programme. The station has been brought up to date to provide a great working environment for our firefighters and I look forward to seeing the benefits that brings."

This system is already in use at 17 other Fire and Rescue Services across the UK, and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has introduced the new system at Stratford, Alcester and Leamington.

For more information visit warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue.