COMMUNITIES across Wiltshire are celebrating as dramatic new developments mean controversial plans to close eight fire stations may now be shelved.

For months, residents in Mere and Wilton faced an uncertain future as Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service grappled with a major funding shortfall.

Initial proposals included the closure of both stations, while a later option suggested Wilton could survive only by merging with Salisbury Fire Station for a 12-month trial period.

The plans have sparked fierce opposition from residents, firefighters and politicians.

In May, Wiltshire Council overwhelmingly backed a cross-party motion opposing the closures and later wrote to government ministers demanding a review of the funding formula affecting the fire service.

Now, following the award of £1.8 million in government funding, Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole has dramatically revised his advice.

The members working group has now recommended that all eight stations originally under threat, including Bradford on Avon, Cranborne, Charmouth, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton, should remain open.

Mr Cole said the one-off funding does not solve the fire service’s long-term financial challenges but gives the authority more time to deliver its modernisation programme without resorting to closures or job losses.

The recommendation means the feared closure of Mere has been avoided, while Wilton also appears to have escaped both closure and the proposed merger arrangement with Salisbury.

However, there is a catch.

The stations will only remain open if the fire authority receives permission to increase its council tax precept to at least the national average from 2027/28 and if there are no further funding cuts.

If those conditions are not met, closure proposals could return.

The final decision will be made by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Authority members on June 30.

Wilton resident Alice Elliott, founder of the Save Our Fire Stations campaign, welcomed the change in recommendation but warned the fight is not over.

She said: “This is a hugely positive step and shows what can happen when communities come together and stand up for their safety. Thousands of people have supported this campaign because they understood the risks these closures posed to rural communities.

“However, nothing is guaranteed until the fire authority votes on June 30 and the funding conditions are secured. I remain concerned by the statement that all eight stations could still close if those conditions are not met.

“We will continue to hold the service and government to account to make sure these stations have a secure future.

“This campaign has always been about protecting our communities, supporting our firefighters and ensuring people understand what is at stake. While this is an important moment, the battle is not over yet.”