THE future of Wilton Fire Station has taken another dramatic turn following a recommendation it merge with Salisbury Fire Station rather than close completely.

The announcement by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer  (CFO) Andy Cole follows months of fierce opposition to plans that could have seen Wilton among eight stations facing closure across the two counties.

But while the latest proposal appears to offer Wilton a lifeline, questions remain over what a “merger” would mean in practice for emergency cover in the area.

Under recommendations discussed by the service’s members working group this week, Wilton Fire Station would merge with Salisbury’s through an initial 12-month trial period.

No final decision has yet been made, and the Fire & Rescue Authority is due to meet on June 30.

The move comes after what the CFO described as “positive discussions” with government over future funding and hopes of greater council tax flexibility to support the service financially.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer (CFO) Andy Cole has released a statement.

CFO Cole said: “As I have always said, if our financial position changes, my professional advice to the Fire & Rescue Authority would change. I am now in a position to change that advice.”

However, the recommendation is subject to the authority receiving future council tax flexibility from 2027/28.

Hamworthy Fire Station is also still affected with a proposed merger with Poole Fire Station on a 12-month trial.

The six other Wiltshire and Dorset stations previously included in closure plans are now expected to remain operational as part of a wider modernisation programme.

For Wilton residents, though, key questions are likely to centre on what a merger means for response times, local fire cover and whether appliances and firefighters would continue to be based in the town.

The proposal is also likely to raise questions in Salisbury where residents may wonder what absorbing Wilton’s station into the city could mean for demand on crews, response capacity and pressure on an already busy station.

Full recommendations will be published on June 22, ahead of a final decision at the end of the month.